Filipino Crew Member Dies After Houthi Attack on Dutch Ship

Tragic Death Following Red Sea Attack

A Filipino crew member has died from injuries sustained during a Houthi missile attack on the Dutch cargo ship MV Minervagracht in the Gulf of Aden. The tragic death was confirmed by Dutch shipping company Spliethoff, which owns the vessel, marking the first fatality from Houthi attacks on commercial shipping since July 2025.

Attack Details and Aftermath

The attack occurred on September 29, 2025, approximately 200 kilometers from the Yemeni port city of Aden. The Houthi rebels fired a cruise missile at the vessel, causing significant damage and starting a fire that burned for several days. 'We are deeply saddened by the loss of our crew member and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones,' a Spliethoff spokesperson stated in an official release.

The MV Minervagracht was sailing through international waters when targeted, according to the shipping company. The vessel was left adrift and burning for days before being towed to safety. Of the 19 crew members aboard, 12 were Filipino nationals, with two requiring immediate medical evacuation to Djibouti following the attack.

Growing Maritime Security Crisis

This incident represents the latest in a series of approximately 100 attacks by Houthi rebels on commercial shipping since the beginning of the Gaza conflict. The Houthis have claimed responsibility for the attack, stating they targeted the vessel because its owner had violated their ban on ships visiting Israeli ports. 'We will continue to target ships linked to Israel until the siege on Gaza is lifted,' a Houthi spokesperson declared in a statement.

The Netherlands has responded by calling for the European Union to designate the Houthis as a terrorist organization. Demissionary Foreign Minister Van Weel emphasized that 'the Houthis represent a serious threat to free navigation and international maritime security.' The Dutch government is also pushing for additional EU sanctions against the Yemeni rebel group.

International Response and Crew Status

Most of the remaining crew members have been repatriated to their home countries, while one injured Filipino crew member remains in stable condition in Djibouti and is expected to return home later this week. The death brings the total number of seafarer fatalities from Houthi attacks to fourteen since the Red Sea shipping crisis began in late 2023.

Maritime security experts warn that the continued attacks are creating significant disruptions to global trade, with many shipping companies rerouting vessels around Africa's Cape of Good Hope, adding 10-14 days to Asia-Europe journeys and increasing shipping costs substantially. The crisis has caused a dramatic 57.5% reduction in Suez Canal traffic, according to industry analysis.

Broader Implications

The attack on the MV Minervagracht highlights the ongoing vulnerability of commercial shipping in the strategically important Red Sea and Gulf of Aden regions. International naval coalitions, including Operation Prosperity Guardian and the EU's Operation Aspides, have been working to protect shipping lanes, but attacks have persisted despite these efforts.

The incident has renewed calls for enhanced security measures and international cooperation to protect seafarers and ensure the safety of vital global trade routes. As one maritime security analyst noted, 'This tragic death underscores the human cost of the ongoing maritime security crisis and the urgent need for effective international response.'