A crew member aboard the Dutch-flagged cargo ship MV Minervagracht has died from injuries sustained during a missile attack in the Gulf of Aden on 29 September 2025.
The vessel, operated by Dutch shipping company Spliethoff, came under fire while transiting international waters southeast of Aden. The impact caused a fire onboard, forcing the 19-member crew to abandon ship.
According to the company’s statement, the deceased was a Filipino seafarer, while another crew member remains hospitalized in Djibouti in stable condition. The remaining crew were safely evacuated with the assistance of EU naval forces operating under Operation Aspides.
Statement by the IMO Secretary-General
In response to the fatal incident, International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez issued a statement expressing deep sorrow and firm condemnation of attacks on merchant shipping.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a crew member of the MV Minervagracht, as a result of injuries sustained during an attack on the vessel in the Gulf of Aden on 29 September 2025.
My thoughts, along with those of the Secretariat and of the entire membership of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), are with the family of the crew member.
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.”
Reports indicate that the Minervagracht was struck by an explosive projectile, believed to be fired by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, as part of their continued campaign against commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The Houthis later claimed responsibility, alleging the ship was linked to Western or Israeli interests — a claim the ship’s owners and international authorities have dismissed. The attack marks one of the most serious maritime incidents in the region this year, intensifying global concern over crew safety and freedom of navigation
- The Netherlands has condemned the attack and called on the European Union to formally designate the Houthi movement as a terrorist organization.
- Maritime analysts warn that escalating hostilities are forcing shipping lines to reroute vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, adding significant voyage time and cost.
- The Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed that 12 Filipino nationals were among the crew, and that repatriation and welfare assistance are underway.
- Environmental groups have raised concerns over the pollution caused by damaged vessels in the Red Sea, compounding the humanitarian and ecological toll of the conflict.
The IMO and the global maritime community continue to urge restraint, cooperation, and dialogue to protect seafarers and preserve the freedom of navigation vital to international trade.
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