Aden – A crew member aboard a Dutch-flagged commercial vessel was killed following a targeted attack off the coast of Yemen, maritime authorities confirmed today. 

The incident occurred in the Red Sea near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a strategic shipping lane that has witnessed increasing hostilities in recent months.

According to preliminary reports, the vessel was en route to the Port of Djibouti when it came under fire from unidentified assailants believed to be linked to regional militant groups. 

The attack resulted in significant damage to the ship’s infrastructure and left one crew member fatally wounded. Several others sustained minor injuries.

The Dutch government expressed deep concern over the incident and called for an immediate investigation. 

“We condemn this act of violence and are working closely with international partners to ensure the safety of maritime operations in the region,” a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.

The identity of the deceased crew member has not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin. The vessel has since been escorted to a secure location for inspection and further assessment.

This attack underscores the growing risks faced by commercial shipping in the Red Sea, particularly amid escalating tensions in Yemen and surrounding waters. 

International maritime organizations have urged vessels to exercise extreme caution and adhere to updated security protocols when navigating the area.