Tragic Loss in the Gulf of Aden – Spliethoff Confirms Seafarer’s Death After Missile Attack

The Dutch shipping company Spliethoff has confirmed that one of its crew members has passed away following injuries sustained during a Houthi missile strike on the cargo ship Minervagracht in the Gulf of Aden last month ⚓️.

 

The injured seafarer was airlifted by French forces to a hospital in Djibouti, where he sadly succumbed to his wounds. Another crew member remains under medical supervision but is in stable condition and expected to return home soon.

 

Spliethoff expressed its deep sorrow and said it is offering full support to the family of the deceased and to the rest of the crew. Most of the 19 crew members (from Russia, Ukraine, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka) have already been safely repatriated 🛫.

 

During the attack, a missile hit the accommodation block, sparking a fire and forcing the crew to abandon the burning ship. They were later rescued by EU naval forces from Operation Aspides. At the time of the strike, the Minervagracht was sailing east from Djibouti in international waters.

 

Houthi militants later claimed responsibility, saying the vessel was targeted because Spliethoff ships had called at Israeli ports. This was the second attack on the Minervagracht within a week – the first one occurred before the ship took refuge near Djibouti’s Doraleh anchorage.

 

Spliethoff continues to work with international authorities and salvage teams to secure the drifting vessel, which the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has marked as a navigational hazard.

 

This marks the first seafarer fatality linked to Houthi attacks since July, when four crew members were killed and five went missing after the Greek-owned bulker Eternity C was struck and sunk in the Red Sea.

 

🙏 Our thoughts are with all seafarers navigating dangerous waters worldwide.

 

Source: Splash 247

Picture: French Army - Military Operations