On Monday, a Dutch cargo ship called the Minervagracht was hit by a missile while sailing through the Gulf of Aden. The attack set the ship on fire and injured two crew members. Nineteen seafarers had to leave the vessel shortly after the strike. The company that operates the ship, based in Amsterdam, confirmed the fire and the injuries. The crew was evacuated by helicopter to nearby vessels.
Western officials say Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched the missile. These rebels, backed by Iran, have stepped up attacks on ships in the Red Sea and nearby areas since last year’s Israel-Hamas conflict. The French military’s Maritime Information, Cooperation and Awareness Center identified the Houthis as responsible for this recent strike. The British Navy and private security groups also reported the incident. The Houthis have not yet claimed the attack, though they often delay announcements.
This is not the first time the Minervagracht has been targeted. Just a week earlier, on September 23, the ship faced an unsuccessful attack. The repeated strikes raise concerns about the Houthis’ motives. The U.S. Navy notes that the ship has no ties to Israel, but the Houthis sometimes strike vessels without clear links to their usual targets.
The attack is a serious reminder that the Gulf of Aden, a key shipping route, is becoming more dangerous. After months of calm, war-risk insurance prices for ships in the area are rising again. In July, two vessels were sunk in nearby waters, killing at least four people. The Gulf of Aden and Red Sea together handle about a trillion dollars’ worth of goods each year. More attacks could push up costs for shipowners, insurers, and global trade.
This incident comes amid growing tensions in the region. Israel recently launched a new offensive in Gaza, and the United Nations reimposed sanctions on Iran. The Houthis, who paused their attacks during a brief ceasefire, have now resumed their campaign. This ongoing conflict has already affected shipping and drew U.S. airstrikes in Yemen.
The operator, Spliethoff, has not shared the final condition of the Minervagracht, a 142-meter ship that was headed to Mumbai. For now, this event highlights how fragile security is in a crucial sea lane that many depend on. The risks here have far-reaching effects for insurers and the shipping world.