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A Dutch-flagged cargo vessel, Minervagrach, caught fire and was abandoned in the Gulf of Aden after a suspected missile attack — the first reported Houthi strike on a commercial ship in the area in nearly 14 months.

The 12,200 dwt ship, en route from Djibouti to Mumbai, was hit approximately 128 nautical miles southeast of Aden, Yemen. Operator Spliethoff confirmed that all 19 crew members — from Russia, Ukraine, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka — were evacuated by helicopter. Two sailors sustained serious injuries, according to the EU naval mission Aspides.

This incident marks the second time in a week that Minervagrach has come under suspected fire, after a near-miss was reported on September 23. The vessel is now drifting and considered a hazard to navigation.

While the ship reportedly has no ties to Israel, the Houthis have resumed attacks on merchant shipping since July, previously sinking two bulk carriers in the Red Sea. Naval forces warn of escalating risks for vessels transiting the region.

On September 22, 2025, the containership Istanbul Bridge (capacity 4,890TEU) of Sea Legend Line departed from Ningbo-Zhoushan, marking the launch ofthe first express service between China and Europe via the Northern Sea Route.The vessel will call at Felixstowe (UK), Rotterdam (Netherlands), Hamburg(Germany), and Gdańsk (Poland). According to the company, the voyage will takeonly 18 days — making it the first true express container line linking Chinaand Europe through the Arctic. The service is carrying consumer goods,clothing, and components, with plans to expand the ice-class fleet andeventually ensure year-round navigation. The project is significant because itreduces transit time compared to the Suez Canal, opening new opportunities forfaster trade between China and Europe. However, full-year operation of theNorthern Sea Route will require major investments in ice-class vessels.

The Houthis are stepping up activity in the Red Sea, targeting both Israel and shipping linked to it. On September 4, UK Maritime Trade Operations reported suspicious activity after a vessel in the Red Sea was hit by an “unknown projectile” at a distance. The ship was unharmed but also reported severe electronic interference. This marks the 30th maritime incident of 2025, following a lull after July’s sinking of two bulk carriers. Recent weeks have seen more missile and drone claims by the Houthis, including against tankers and containerships, though several reports remain unconfirmed. At the same time, vessel traffic in the Red Sea has reached its highest level since January 2024, with LPG and bulk carriers increasing transits, while most container lines continue to reroute around Africa. Analysts warn the Houthis may be extending their reach further north, closer to Saudi Arabia, raising regional security concerns. Meanwhile, Israel has vowed stronger responses after intercepting multiple recent launches and striking back against Houthi leadership.