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Reaction to the release of the crew of the Galaxy Leader
File image: Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.Credit: RTV Malacanang – YouTube Politicians and industry leaders welcomed the release of the 25 crew held hostage by the Houthi for 14 months, but also stressed no seafarers should ever face such a threat.
Dr.G.R.Balakrishnan Jan 24 2025 Marine News

Reaction to the release of the crew of the Galaxy Leader

After 429 days in captivity 25 seafarers held onboard the NYK chartered car carrier Galaxy Leader were released by the Houthi on Wednesday 22 Jan ’25.The Houthis in Yemen hijacked the cargo vessel Galaxy Leader near Hodeidah in November 2023 while sailing to India

Reactions to the crew’s release from leaders and industry groups portrayed both relief that the seafarers were finally free to go home and be reunited with their families and frustration that such an incident could happen in the first place.

Some 17 of the hostages held onboard the Galaxy Leader were Filipino nationals and the news of their release was greeted with joy by Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “It is with utmost joy that, after more than a year of captivity in Yemen, I announce the safe release of all seventeen Filipino seafarers, together with the rest of the crewmembers of M/V Galaxy Leader,” President Marcos said in a statement. “Our Filipino seafarers are now in the care of our Philippine Embassy in Muscat, Oman and will be reunited with their loved ones in the Philippines very soon,” he added. President Marcos thanked His Majesty Haitham bin Tarik, Sultan of Oman, and his government for their successful mediation, which led in the eventual release, and safe passage of the Filipino seafarers through Oman.

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Domingue: "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.

“I am 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. “Today’s breakthrough is a testament to the power of collective diplomacy and dialogue, recognising 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. “IMO will continue to rigorously uphold its commitment to the safety of seafarers worldwide, who continue to face risks in their essential work," the Secretary-General stated.

Bimco, Secretary General & CEO David Loosley:

"Today, 25 seafarers held hostage on board the Galaxy Leader have been released. For the first time since November 2023, they can look forward to reuniting with their families and loved ones. Their freedom should never have been taken in the first place. Seafarers should never have to face the threat of being attacked, taken hostage or being shot at when they go to work.”

International Chamber of Shipping Secretary Guy Platten:“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. “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. “ICS deplores any and all attacks on shipping as they are a breach of international law and threaten the lives of innocent seafarers and the safety of merchant shipping,” Platten said.

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