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Dutch Vessel Adrift in Gulf of Aden Following Attack
The MV Minervagracht, a Dutch-flagged cargo ship attacked yesterday in the Gulf of Aden, continues to burn while drifting helplessly at sea. The vessel was en route from Djibouti when it was struck by an explosive device, causing significant damage and leaving two crew members injured.
Evacuation and Rescue Operations
All 19 crew members have been successfully evacuated from the burning vessel via helicopter. Most crew members have been taken aboard two nearby ships flying French and Greek flags. One injured crew member has been transported to Djibouti for medical treatment. According to the European protection mission, the multinational crew consisted of members from Russia, Ukraine, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka. No Dutch nationals were aboard the vessel.
Regional Security Concerns
The attack occurs amid ongoing maritime security challenges in the region. Houthi rebels from Yemen have repeatedly targeted commercial shipping in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. "We know they are carrying out unacceptable attacks on maritime shipping and we will monitor this closely," stated outgoing Foreign Minister Van Weel, referring to the Houthi movement.
The Gulf of Aden serves as a critical shipping route connecting the Red Sea to the Arabian Sea, with approximately 21,000 vessels passing through annually. According to Wikipedia, the Red Sea crisis began in October 2023 when Iran-backed Houthis launched attacks on shipping vessels, demanding an end to the Gaza conflict.
Ongoing Response Efforts
The vessel's Dutch owner confirmed the ship has sustained "significant damage" and is currently drifting without control. Authorities are consulting with specialists to determine how to safely secure the vessel and prevent environmental damage. The exact perpetrators of the attack remain unidentified, though regional patterns point toward Houthi involvement.
