Today marks one year since Yemeni insurgents seized the Galaxy Leader car carrier and its crew. The 25 seafarers, hailing from Bulgaria, Ukraine, the Philippines, Mexico, and Romania, have been held captive ever since.
Ahead of this, Guy Platten, secretary-general of the International Chamber of Shipping, speaking in Hong Kong, has stated: “It seems incredible that a year has passed, and the crew of the Galaxy Leader are still being held hostage. Innocent seafarers and families who have had their lives irrevocably changed by geopolitical forces wholly out of their control.”
The ICS has repeatedly condemned the hijacking as a blatant violation of international law and an assault on the fundamental principle of freedom of navigation.
The Bahamas-flagged ship, carrying no cargo at the time of the seizure, has been moored at the Yemeni port of Hodeidah. Over the past year, it has become an unintended tourist attraction.
“The seafarers, some of whom have been at sea for nearly two years, have been held against their will only limited contact with their families, friends, and loved ones. This is unconscionable and must not be allowed to endure. We are thinking of the seafarers and all of those affected at this time, and we continue to call for humanity to prevail and their immediate release,” Platten said.
Since the Galaxy Leader was abducted the Houthis have targeted more than 120 ships over the past year with drones and missiles.