On September 29 at 10:22 UTC, the MV MINERVAGRACHT, which had not asked for EUNAVFOR ASPIDES protection, came under attack, 128 nautical miles southeast of the port of Aden, Yemen.

As a result of the attack, the MV MINERVAGRACHT is on fire and adrift.

Upon receipt of an urgent distress request from the vessel’s master, EUNAVFOR ASPIDES initiated an immediate response to save all 19 crew members (Russian, Ukraine, Philippines, Sri Lanka) among which are two seriously wounded. The SOLAS operation is ongoing.

MV MINERVAGRACHT now represents a navigational hazard. It is essential that everyone in the area exercises caution and refrains from any actions that could lead to a deterioration of the current situation.

These kinds of attacks pose not only a threat against the Freedom of Navigation but also to the seafarers’ lives, and subsequently to the life of all citizens living in that region.

EUNAVFOR ASPIDES affirms its commitment to the protection of human life at sea and to contribute to the freedom on the high seas.

EU NAVAL FORCE ASPIDES, in coordination with European and regional authorities, is continuously assessing the situation and stands ready to facilitate any courses of action. Successful mitigation will require close coordination and active participation of all regional states.