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.