Read Authentic Ratings for the Minervagracht

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has revealed that a Filipino crew member who tragically died during a Houthi strike on the cargo vessel 'Minervagracht' was part of a group of 12 Filipino sailors who were not apprised of the risks when their ship entered the dangerous waters of the Gulf of Aden. DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac expressed concern that the crew was not offered their right to refuse deployment in hazardous maritime environments, a crucial policy that protects Filipino seafarers from being sent into conflict zones like the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. Additionally, the management of 'Minervagracht' failed to notify the DMW about their entry into the conflict area, a legal obligation under established maritime safety regulations. Currently, ten crew members have returned to the Philippines, while one remains hospitalized in Djibouti. Secretary Cacdac, accompanied by officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the late crew member's wife, and his sister, is en route to Djibouti via Ethiopia to oversee the repatriation process of the deceased sailor and to support the injured team member. The courageous seafarer continued to assist his fellow crew members during the attack, prioritizing their safety until his final moments. The DMW and DFA are actively coordinating with the owners of the vessel and international maritime organizations to investigate this incident, ensuring accountability and enhancing the protection of all Filipino seafarers working in high-risk areas.

In a stern response to escalating maritime violence, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations, has denounced the assault on the cargo ship 'Minervagracht'. This tragic incident, which occurred on September 29, resulted in the death of one Filipino crew member and left another injured. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez expressed profound sadness following the loss of life, stating, "Attacks on international shipping must stop. I am deeply saddened by the death of the crew member. I strongly condemn any form of attack against international shipping, regardless of its motivation or cause." Dominguez emphasized that such acts violate international law and hinder freedom of navigation, making innocent seafarers and local communities the primary victims of these conflicts. The Houthis of Yemen claimed responsibility for the attack, revealing that a cruise missile was fired at the vessel. The injured crew members were urgently evacuated to a hospital in Djibouti, where one unfortunately succumbed to his injuries on October 6. In light of this tragedy, Philippine officials are en route to Djibouti, accompanied by the deceased sailor's sister and wife, to liaise with the ship's owner regarding the repatriation of his remains, as stated by Migrant Workers Minister Hans Cacdac on October 8. The IMO has reiterated the necessity for a halt to such attacks and advocated for a renewed commitment to constructive international dialogue. In a statement, Dutch shipping company Spliethoff expressed their deep concern, labeling the assault as a direct attack on their innocent seafarers and a clear violation of free navigation rights. Spliethoff is actively collaborating with international authorities and salvage experts to secure the damaged vessel, ensuring their commitment to maritime safety and the welfare of their crew.

In a tragic turn of events, one crew member aboard the cargo vessel 'Minervagracht' lost his life due to injuries sustained during a Houthi attack in the Gulf of Aden on September 29, confirmed the shipping company Spliethoff. The remaining crew, out of a total of 19, have largely returned safely home. However, one crew member continues to receive medical treatment in Djibouti and is anticipated to be repatriated later this week. According to the security experts at EOS Risk Group, this unfortunate incident marks the third successful Houthi assault in 2025 and the first such attack in the Gulf of Aden since July 2024. The EU-led Operation ASPIDES, which was involved in the subsequent rescue efforts, highlighted the escalating threat posed by these attacks to the safety of seafarers and the principle of free navigation in the area. With this tragic incident, the toll of Houthi attacks on merchant vessels since 2023 has now reached at least 14 sailors. In the wake of these growing concerns, the Netherlands has called upon the European Union to officially classify the Houthis as a terrorist organization.

On October 4, ten Filipino crew members from the vessel 'Minervagracht' returned home following an incident that left two other crew members injured and unable to travel. Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. was present at the airport to personally greet the returning seafarers. He emphasized the importance of providing the affected crew with ample support, directing the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and other governmental bodies to ensure comprehensive reintegration assistance. The repatriated crew received financial aid from multiple sources, ensuring their transition back to civilian life was as smooth as possible. Additionally, they have the option to access free retraining programs offered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) as well as housing support provided by their crew agency. The 'Minervagracht' had a diverse crew, with a total of 19 members hailing from the Philippines, Russia, Sri Lanka, and Ukraine. The ship’s owner, Spliethoff, had previously committed to facilitating the swift repatriation of all crew members involved in the incident. For more information and visuals, visit: https://nos.nl/artikel/2585390-tien-filipijnse-opvarenden-van-aangevallen-nederlandse-schip-gerepatrieerd.

The salvage operation for the 'Minervagracht' is underway as the vessel is being towed to a secure location, although the specific destination remains undisclosed by the Amsterdam-based shipping firm, Spliethoff. Recently, the crew faced alarming circumstances when the Houthis claimed that the ship's owner breached the prohibition of port access in areas under the occupation of Palestine. Currently, one crew member is being treated for serious injuries in a hospital in Djibouti, but reports indicate that their condition has stabilized. The ship's management is prioritizing the swift repatriation of the remaining crew members to ensure their safe return home.

The recently formed Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC), aligned with Houthi interests, has announced sanctions against 13 entities, 9 individuals, and 2 vessels regarding U.S. crude oil exports. This statement, released on September 30, specifically targets prominent American energy firms such as ExxonMobil, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Phillips 66, and Marathon Petroleum, alongside their key executives for allegedly breaching a decree that prohibits U.S. crude oil exportation. Notable figures included in the sanctions are high-ranking oil executives like Darren Wayne Woods of ExxonMobil, Michael Karl Wirth of Chevron, and Ryan Michael Lance of ConocoPhillips. Additionally, the sanctions extend to two crude oil tankers identified as the Marshall Islands-flagged 'Seaways San Saba' (IMO: 9593426), which was heading from Rotterdam to Georgetown as of October 1, and the 'Seaways Brazos' (IMO: 9594731), arriving in Acu after departing Canaport on September 30. Both vessels are reportedly linked to the United States-based Diamond S Shipping Inc. The HOCC serves as a liaison between Houthi forces and commercial shipping operators and holds connections with Houthi military operations. Furthermore, the Yemen-based group claimed responsibility for a recent missile attack on the 'Minervagracht'. A spokesperson for the Houthis confirmed on September 30 that the vessel was targeted due to the shipowners’ alleged disregard for the Houthi-imposed ban on ports within 'occupied Palestine'.

In a concerning development, the bulk carrier 'Minervagracht' was targeted by Houthi forces on September 23, 2025, at approximately 0320 hours local time. The incident marked the first missile attack in the Gulf of Aden in several weeks, as confirmed by the vessel's master. According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a missile struck about two nautical miles from the ship, which was navigating 120 nautical miles east of the port city of Aden. Crew members reported hearing a loud splash and subsequent explosion but thankfully confirmed that both the ship and crew remained unharmed and proceeded on schedule to their next destination. Authorities are currently investigating the incident, urging all vessels in the area to exercise heightened caution and promptly report any suspicious activities. The 'Minervagracht' is now en route to Suez, with an estimated time of arrival set for September 27. Notably, the bulk carrier has no known affiliations with Israel.