Spliethoff has reported that one of the two crew members that was injured following a Houthi attack on their vessel Minervagracht has passed away. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez condemns the attacks in the area, which violate international law and freedom of navigation.
The Minervagracht is a 142.1-metre general cargo vessel that sails under the Dutch flag. The vessel was attacked on 29 September while on passage in the Gulf of Aden (in international waters). The ship was hit by an unidentified explosive device inflicting substantial damage to the ship and injuring two crew members. It was not carrying any cargo at the time of the attack.
Crew member dies in hospital
The two injured crew members were evacuated from the ship and brought to a Djibouti hospital. On 6 October, one of the two crew passed away there.
Most of the crew of Minervagracht have now been safely repatriated to their home countries. One crew member remains under medical care in Djibouti; his condition is stable, and Spliethoff expects he will be able to return home later this week.
IMO Secretary-General condemns attack
In response to the news released by Spliethoff, IMO Secretary-General Dominguez says: ‘I strongly condemn any type of attack against international shipping, regardless of its motivation or cause. These deplorable attacks in the Red Sea violate international law and freedom of navigation. Innocent seafarers and local populations are the main victims of these attacks and the pollution they cause. Constructive dialogue is the solution to resolving ongoing geopolitical crises affecting seafarers and international shipping.’
