Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi group has released the crew of the Galaxy Leader over a year after seizing the vessel off Yemen’s coast.
The crew members were handed over to Oman in coordination with Palestinian militant group Hamas following a Gaza ceasefire brokered between Israel and Hamas, Reuters reports. This move follows the announcement of Houthi official Mohamed Al-Buhayti, who stated in an interview a few days ago that the group intended to free the vessel.
The Galaxy Leader, a Bahamas-flagged car carrier chartered by Japan’s Nippon Yusen, was seized on November 19, 2023, during the conflict between Israel and Hamas. It was brought to Hodeidah, a port in Houthi-controlled northern Yemen.
IMO Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, has welcomed the release of the crew of the MV Galaxy Leader saying that he is grateful for all the Member States, regional entities, and international partners whose steadfast support and strategic engagement were pivotal in securing the crew’s freedom, and to ensuring their wellbeing.
I welcome the release of the 25-member crew of the Galaxy Leader, who have endured over a year of captivity since they were taken hostage in November 2023 while transiting the Red Sea. This is a moment of profound relief for all of us – not only for the crew and their families, but also to the wider maritime community.
… the Secretary-General stated, adding that this breakthrough is a testament to the power of collective diplomacy and dialogue, recognizing that innocent seafarers must not become collateral victims in wider geopolitical tensions. It is also a return to operations in the Red Sea as we have been accustomed to, and upholding of the freedom of navigation.
Meanwhile, Guy Platten, International Chamber of Shipping Secretary General, also released a statement following the release of the Galaxy Leader.
We welcome the news of the Galaxy Leader crew being released today and that they will be reunited with their families after being held in captivity since the 19 November 2023. The fact that the innocent crew were held for over 430 days is unacceptable and a truly dreadful situation.
… said Platten, noting that nobody should have to endure such an ordeal, and we call on all nations to support our seafarers and shipping so that this does not happen again.
This incident is a stark reminder of the threats faced by seafarers, which are often outside of their control. Seafarers must never be used as geopolitical pawns. Their rights to perform their lawful duties must be upheld without compromise.
… commented Dr Peter Rouch, Secretary General, The Mission to Seafarers
The Japanese Shipowners’ Association (JSA) greatly appreciates the tireless and collaborative efforts by everyone involved in their release, particularly those in the Japanese Government, the International Maritime Organization and the International Chamber of Shipping.
…said Yukikazu Myochin, President of the Japanese Shipowners’ Association (JSA). He also emphasized that ”such a barbarous act must not be repeated and that, through international coordination, the free and safe navigation of merchant ships in international waters must be guaranteed.”