Dutch shipping firm has issued an update on the September 29 incident of its vessel Minervagracht, which was hit by an unknown explosive device in the international waters of the Gulf of Aden. Houthis have since claimed responsibility of the attack, with the ship suffering significant damage.
“Spliethoff have taken notice of reports that the Houthis have claimed responsibility of the attack on our motorvessel Minervagracht earlier this week when the ship was on passage in international waters in the Gulf of Aden,” the company said in a statement. Currently, Spliethoff is engaging with international authorities and salvage experts to safeguard and secure the vessel.
As HLPFI previously reported, all 19 crew members of Minervagracht have been safely evacuated to nearby vessels. Two of the crew have sustained injuries and are receiving medical attention onboard nearby vessels. The extent of their injuries is as yet unknown.
Minervagracht has sustained considerable damage and is experiencing a fire. The vessel was sailing eastbound from Djibouti at the time of the incident and is not carrying any cargo
The company said: “Spliethoff continues to support the crew of the vessel while meanwhile arrangements are being made for the repatriation of the crew to their country of origin where they will be reunited with their families.
“Finally, we would again like to express our deepest concern over this week’s incident which was a direct attack on our innocent seafarers and a breach of the right of free navigation.”
