Sixteen seafarers from Syria and India are stranded in the city of Hodeidah, Yemen, which came under attack from Israeli airstrikes over the weekend, with eight trapped on board the Captain Tarek.
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) informed in a statement that it has successfully helped eight Syrian seafarers disembark from the ship ‘Captain Tarek’ and find refuge in a hotel. The ITF is now focused on ensuring the remaining eight seafarers aboard the same vessel can also disembark and return to India.
Mohamed Arrachedi, ITF Flags of Convenience Network Coordinator for the Arab World and Iran, described the dire situation faced by these seafarers, who are experiencing trauma after being abandoned in a war zone.
The ship’s flag state is currently unclear, though it has been previously reported as Comoros or Egypt. Recent airstrikes in Hodeidah, targeting refinery and electricity infrastructure, have exacerbated the situation. These strikes, which are a response to a Houthi drone attack on Tel Aviv, have resulted in casualties and port closures, further impacting the seafarers’ plight.
In addition, the crew of the Bahamas-flagged ship Galaxy Leader remains hostage in Yemen. The vessel was hijacked on November 19, 2023, by a Houthi-operated helicopter. The 24-member international crew, including Filipinos, Ukrainians, Bulgarians, Mexicans, and a Romanian, is still being held.
The crew is expected to remain in captivity until the ongoing conflict involving Israel’s attacks on Gaza deescalates.
