Djibouti, 1 October 2025 – Djiboutian authorities and the Dutch shipping company Spliethoff confirmed Tuesday that all 19 crew members aboard the M/V Minervagracht were rescued after the vessel was struck by an unidentified explosion while sailing through the Gulf of Aden.
The Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority (DPFZA) said it provided emergency assistance to the survivors following the incident, which occurred Monday in one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors.
According to officials, the ship’s last port of call was Durban, South Africa, before docking at Doraleh Multipurpose Port in Djibouti. It was en route to Jebel Ali Port in the United Arab Emirates when the explosion occurred.
Earlier reports indicated that the vessel was carrying more than 1,077 metric tonnes of cargo, including vehicles and containers.
In a statement, Spliethoff confirmed that two crew members were injured and are receiving medical care. The company also said the vessel sustained severe structural damage and a fire, which was eventually extinguished.
“All 19 crew members have been rescued, with two receiving medical attention for injuries,” the company said.
No fatalities were reported. Djiboutian authorities stressed that the incident underlines the country’s strategic role in maritime security and emergency response in the Gulf of Aden, a vital trade route linking the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean.