Hijacked Galaxy Leader Ship Managers Call For Release Of Crew Held By Houthis For 7 Months

Managers of the Galaxy Leader cargo ship have reiterated their request for Yemen’s Houthis to release the vessel’s 25 crew members who had been held captive for more than seven months.

On November 19, 2023, Houthi militants attacked the Bahamas-flagged ship with helicopters, capturing the crew from Bulgaria, Mexico, Philippines, Romania and Ukraine.

The Galaxy Leader’s managing company, STAMCO Ship Management, renewed its call for the crew’s immediate release near Hodeida, Yemen.

The ship, owned by Galaxy Maritime Ltd., an Isle of Man-based company, is the primary focus of the ongoing maritime tensions in the region.

The company, a subsidiary of Ray Car Carriers, stated that the detained crew members were not connected to the regional conflicts.

STAMCO stated in a press release that the welfare and security of the crew are the top priorities for the Galaxy Leader’s owners and managers.

The International Chamber of Shipping criticized the seafarers’ imprisonment, stating that such actions violate international law and risk innocent lives.

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Since the capture of the vessel and its crew, various governments, including Bulgaria and the Philipines, have attempted to release their citizens.

STAMCO emphasized the humanitarian aspect of the situation, citing that the crew members had been held captive against their will for about 200 days now.

Recent attacks by Houthi forces on multiple vessels, including the Liberian-flagged MV Tutor coal carrier and the Pulau-flagged Verbena, have raised concerns over maritime security in international waters.

Security experts have reported an increase in the efficacy of Houthi drone and missile attacks, posing a greater risk to ships navigating these seas.

In response to the escalating tensions, US and UK forces carried out attacks on Yemen’s Hodeidah International Airport and Kamaran Island.

STAMCO concluded its statement by urging the Houthis to release the crew members immediately, adding that there is “nothing to be gained” by detaining them any longer.

Reference: Reuters

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