Dutch cargo ship damaged by explosive device in Gulf of Aden, operator says

The Dutch flagged cargo ship Minervagracht sustained substantial damage after being hit by an explosive device in the Gulf of Aden, the vessel's operator said on Monday.

"Earlier today its general cargo vessel Minervagracht that was on passage in the Gulf of Aden, in international waters, has come under attack of an unidentified explosive device, inflicting substantial damage to the ship," the vessel's Amsterdam based operator Spliethoff said in a statement.

"Following the attack, Minervagracht is suffering from a fire. As a result, two of the crew of Minervagracht have sustained injuries. Currently the crew of 19 are being evacuated to nearby vessels by helicopter."