An international naval mission successfully rescued all crew members from a Dutch-flagged cargo vessel after it was attacked in the Gulf of Aden, leaving the ship adrift and burning.
Rescue Operation Details
The incident occurred approximately 123 miles southeast of Aden on Monday. The EU naval mission EUNAVFOR Aspides coordinated the complex rescue operation, utilizing warships and rescue helicopters. In total, 19 crew members were safely evacuated, with ten taken aboard a Greek frigate and eight others transferred to a French frigate.
The crew consisted of nationals from Russia, Ukraine, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka. The vessel’s owner confirmed there were no Dutch nationals among them. Two crew members sustained injuries in the attack; one with serious injuries was airlifted to Djibouti for urgent medical treatment, while the second was treated and is reported to be in stable condition.
Vessel Status and Attack Context
The cargo ship, which was sailing eastbound from Djibouti and not carrying cargo at the time, suffered “considerable damage” and was “experiencing a fire,” according to its owner. The damaged vessel remains adrift in the Gulf of Aden and is currently posing a hazard to navigation.
The attack has been claimed by the Houthis, who stated the vessel was targeted because its owner was allegedly sending ships to Israel, violating their self-imposed shipping ban. The incident marks the second attack on this specific vessel in less than a week, as it was previously struck on September 23 when about 120 nautical miles east of Aden. International authorities are now working with the vessel’s owner and specialists to safeguard and secure the damaged vessel.
High-Risk Maritime Environment
This attack highlights the continued high-risk environment in the Gulf of Aden for international shipping, where vessels face ongoing threats from armed attacks and missile strikes. The Houthis have repeatedly targeted international shipping in recent months, claiming to enforce a blockade on all vessels associated with Israel. International naval forces, such as EUNAVFOR Aspides, continue to operate in the area to monitor the situation and perform necessary rescue operations.
Third Update on MV MINERVAGRACHT (September 30th, 2025)
Video documenting the Search and Rescue (SAR) operation, which EUNAVFOR ASPIDES successfully concluded.@eu_eeas @ItalianNavy @MarineNationale @NavyGR pic.twitter.com/lxNMr9BHcA
— EUNAVFOR ASPIDES (@EUNAVFORASPIDES) September 30, 2025
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Source: Marine Insight
