Crew aboard Car carrier Galaxy Leader (IMO: 9237307) — hijacked by Yemen’s Houthi insurgents exactly a year ago next has regained their freedom.
The 25-member crew of the RORO vessel who have endured over a year of captivity since they were taken hostage in November 2023 .
The vessel had onboard 25 crew members, including 17 from the Philippines; other crew members came from Bulgaria (including the captain and first mate), Ukraine, Mexico, and Romania.
According to a statement by the International Maritime Organization IMO’s Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez who welcomed the release of the crew of the MV Galaxy Leader, after more than a year in captivity.stated that it 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 issued a statement, saying “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, recognizing 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.”,he stressed.
