Story perspectives

Houthi Attack Ignites Dutch Cargo Ship in Gulf

9/30/2025

Summary

Houthi Attack Ignites Ship

The Dutch-flagged cargo ship Minervagracht caught fire and drifted in the Gulf of Aden after a Houthi attack on September 29, 2025—the first such attack in over a year.
The strike occurred 128 nautical miles southeast of Aden, injuring two of 19 crew from Russia, Ukraine, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka.
Aspides said the Minervagracht did not request protection.

Summary

Minervagracht Missile Strike

On September 29, 2025, the Dutch cargo ship Minervagracht was hit by a missile in the Gulf of Aden, resulting in a fire and extensive damage.
Helicopters evacuated nineteen crew members, with two injured and receiving medical care on nearby vessels.
Dutch Foreign Affairs Minister David van Weel blamed Houthi rebels for the attack, though the group has not confirmed involvement.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations noted the ship was targeted 128 nautical miles southeast of Aden amid escalating regional tensions.
At the time, the Minervagracht was traveling from Djibouti to Mumbai and was not loaded with cargo.

History

Historical Context

The 2015 Iran nuclear deal shifted Middle Eastern geopolitics, leading to increased tensions, particularly with the Houthi rebels in Yemen. Since 2020, maritime attacks attributed to the Houthis have surged by 30%, threatening vital shipping routes in the Gulf of Aden. The recent missile strike on the MV Minervagracht highlights the urgent need for enhanced maritime security amid ongoing regional volatility.

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Houthi Attack Ignites Ship

The Dutch-flagged cargo ship Minervagracht caught fire and drifted in the Gulf of Aden after a Houthi attack on September 29, 2025—the first such attack in over a year.
The strike occurred 128 nautical miles southeast of Aden, injuring two of 19 crew from Russia, Ukraine, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka.
Aspides said the Minervagracht did not request protection.

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