The Netherlands has called on the European Union to designate Yemen's Houthi movement as a terrorist group following an attack on the Dutch-flagged cargo ship the 12,232-dwt bulker Minervagracht in the Gulf of Aden, reports Saint Petersburg's PortNews.

The vessel was struck on 29 September at 10:22 UTC, about 128 nautical miles southeast of Aden. It caught fire and was left adrift. EU naval mission Operation Aspides evacuated all 19 crew members by helicopter, including nationals of Russia, Ukraine, the Philippines and Sri Lanka. Two were injured, one seriously.

Ship operator Spliethoff said the vessel was sailing eastbound from Djibouti without cargo when it was hit by an unidentified explosive device, causing substantial damage. The company is working with international authorities and towage experts to secure the ship.

Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel condemned the strike, calling the Houthis a serious threat to freedom of navigation. He said the Netherlands would press EU partners to add the group to the bloc's terrorist list and impose further sanctions.

The Houthis claimed responsibility, alleging a cruise missile was used and accusing the ship's owner of violating their ban on Israeli port calls. These claims have not been independently verified by European authorities.