On November 19, while travelling through the Red Sea, armed attackers boarded the Galaxy Leader, a vehicle carrier flying the Bermuda flag and leased by the Japanese shipping corporation NYK, without authorization using a helicopter.
The ship was brought to the Hodeidah port region in Yemen, where it is now anchored. It is said to have links to an Israeli businessman.
Following the discovery of fresh footage from the Galaxy Leader vehicle carrier, which was taken by the Houthi rebels in Yemen with Iranian support, the owner is demanding the immediate release of all 25 crew members.
The Yemeni Navy Commander is purportedly seen in a video that Hamas published this week conversing with crew members on the ship’s bridge.
Galaxy Maritime Ltd, the Isle of Man-based registered owner of the Galaxy Leader, notes that the video footage appears to show all crew members seem to be well and remain on board the vessel.
More footage shows militants dancing on the ship’s deck. Another depicts the ship flying the Yemeni and Palestinian flags.
I would like to voice my grave concerns regarding the seizure of the car-carrier Galaxy Leader in the Red Sea. I express my sincerest hope that the seafarers will be released, as soon as possible.
..IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim said.
I would like to emphasize that unhindered and safe global navigation is a prerequisite for maintaining the world’s supply chains thus it is essential to ensure the protection of seafarers, vessels and cargo at all times. Any action which might adversely affect shipping engaged in international trade must be avoided.
..added.
1/ A new Houthi video features UAV footage of the Galaxy Leader ship, which is parked near the coast of Al-Hudaydah, #Yemen. The Houthis seized it in the southern Red Sea on NOV 19. A possible Houthi Nadhir boat (cc:@CovertShores) & a Houthi Malah boat can be seen near the ship. pic.twitter.com/SOh4YOmNcn
— Joshua Koontz (@JoshuaKoontz__) November 22, 2023
