Nineteen people have been evacuated from a Dutch-registered freighter in the Gulf of Aden after it was struck by a missile and caught fire.

Two people were injured and the 19-man crew had to be evacuated by helicopter to other vessels in the area from Monday. No Dutch nationals were on board.

Foreign affairs minister David van Weel blamed Houthi rebels for the attack on the MV Minervagracht, which took place 200km south-east of the Yemeni port of Aden.

“We know that they carry out unacceptable attacks on maritime shipping and we will keep a very close eye on this,” Van Weel said.

The Houthis have not claimed responsibility for the attack, but press agency AP, citing Yemeni media, said the ship appeared to have been struck by a ballistic missile fired from Houthi-controlled territory.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the ship had been hit by an “unknown projectile” and advised other vessels in the area to proceed with caution.

UKMTO WARNING 033-25 WARNING ATTACK update 001 29 SEP 25https://t.co/0ZfnDYMtPM#MaritimeSecurity #MarSec pic.twitter.com/NWDw2MKSlh

— UKMTO Operations Centre (@UK_MTO) September 29, 2025

Spliethoff, the Amsterdam-based operator of the ship, said the vessel had sustained considerable damage in the attack. The vessel was travelling from Djibouti, reportedly to the Indian port of Mumbai, and was carrying no cargo.

The company said the two wounded seafarers were receiving medical attention on board other vessels.