International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has expressed deep sorrow over the death of a seafarer who succumbed to injuries sustained in the 29 September 2025 attack on the MV Minervagracht by Houthi forces in the Gulf of Aden.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a crew member of the MV Minervagracht, as a result of injuries sustained during an attack on the vessel in the Gulf of Aden,” Dominguez said. “My thoughts, along with those of the Secretariat and the entire membership of the International Maritime Organization, are with the family of the crew member.”
The Minervagracht, a Dutch-flagged vessel owned by the Netherlands-based shipping company Spliethoff, was struck by a missile while transiting the Gulf of Aden. The Houthi group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Following the incident, all 19 crew members were rescued by naval forces operating under EU Navfor ASPIDES.
One other injured seafarer remains under medical care in Djibouti but is reported to be in stable condition and is expected to be repatriated next week.
Dominguez reiterated his firm condemnation of all forms of aggression against commercial vessels, describing such acts as violations of international law and threats to global maritime safety.
“I strongly condemn any attack on international shipping, regardless of its motivation or cause,” he stated. “These deplorable acts in the Red Sea region breach international law and the principle of freedom of navigation. Innocent seafarers and coastal communities bear the greatest burden from these attacks and the pollution they cause.”
The IMO Secretary-General further emphasised that peaceful dialogue remains the only viable path to resolving ongoing geopolitical tensions that continue to endanger maritime workers and disrupt global trade.
Dominguez recalled that, following previous incidents involving the Magic Seas and Eternity C in July, he had engaged several IMO Member States to facilitate direct communication with the Houthi group in an effort to promote de-escalation and safeguard seafarers.
He reaffirmed the IMO’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of seafarers worldwide, urging all parties to uphold the principles of international maritime law and the sanctity of human life at sea.
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