A Filipino crew member of the Dutch cargo ship Minervagracht died following injuries from a Houthi missile attack in the Gulf of Aden, confirmed by Amsterdam-based operator Spliethoff. The sailor had been receiving hospital treatment since the September 29 attack but succumbed a week later. Spliethoff extended condolences to his family and is supporting the crew, with another injured seafarer in stable condition expected to return home soon.
The Minervagracht was hit by an explosive device while sailing in international waters near Yemen, causing significant damage and a fire that forced the crew to abandon ship. European naval forces, supported by Greek and French frigates, conducted a rescue operation, airlifting 19 crew members—comprised of various nationalities—to Djibouti for medical attention. Most crew members have since been repatriated, with ten Filipinos arriving home on October 4.
This incident marks the second attack on the Minervagracht in less than a week, raising concerns about maritime security. The Houthis claimed responsibility, targeting vessels linked to Israel, a claim disputed by the U.S. Navy. The Netherlands has called for the EU to designate the Houthis as a terrorist organization amid ongoing threats to regional shipping routes.
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