According to foreign media reports, the Dutch shipping group Spliethoff Company recently confirmed that one of its general cargo ships named “M/V Minerva Gracht” was attacked by a Houthi missile in the Gulf of Aden on September 29 this year. One crew member was seriously injured and has now unfortunately died.
The company stated that the majority of the 19 crew members on this ship—composed of citizens from Russia, Ukraine, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka—have now returned to their home countries.
The company said in a statement: “The attack that occurred last week has left a deep impact on everyone at Spliethoff.” The statement added: “Today’s news has deeply saddened the entire company, and we mourn the loss of a highly respected and valued seafarer.”
On Monday, Spliethoff paid tribute to the ship’s crew. “We sincerely thank the crew and their families for the resilience and courage they have shown throughout this process. We thank the authorities and all those who assisted in the rescue and repatriation of our crew.”
It is reported that the missile attack ignited the crew accommodation, forcing the crew to abandon ship. They were rescued from the burning vessel by warships from the EU’s Operation Aspides. At the time of the attack, the “Minerva Gracht” was sailing east from Djibouti and was in international waters.
The Houthis subsequently claimed responsibility for the incident, stating they attacked this Netherlands-flagged ship because the company had vessels calling at Israeli ports.
It is reported that this ship was also attacked on September 23. AIS tracking information showed its destination was the Suez Canal. After the first attack, it sought refuge in the Doraleh Anchorage, Djibouti.
Spliethoff stated that it is cooperating with international authorities and salvage experts to ensure the safety of the ship. The vessel is adrift and out of control, and according to a report from the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), it has become a navigational hazard.
This is another crew fatality incident related to Houthi attacks. Previously, the Greek-operated bulk carrier “MV Tutor” was hit by a missile and sank in the Red Sea, resulting in the deaths of 4 crew members and leaving 5 other crew members missing.
On September 16, the UK Maritime Trade Operations issued a warning advising vessels to remain vigilant in the area.
Although the overall reported threat level in the Gulf region has decreased, the warning stated that vessels bound for ports in the southern Red Sea should still be aware that a high threat of collateral damage remains there.
All vessels should exercise extreme caution when approaching ports that have previously been attacked and should carefully consider whether it is prudent to continue /operations in these areas.
Compiled by Shipping Online.
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