Galaxy Leader Crew Released After 14 Months Captivity by Houthis

The Houthi movement has confirmed the release of the crew from the car carrier Galaxy Leader, who were held for nearly 14 months. The announcement was made by the Supreme Political Council and reported by Al Masirah TV. The Houthis stated that the release supports a ceasefire agreement in Gaza and follows negotiations involving Hamas and mediators from Oman.
Details of the Release and Background
The crew of the Galaxy Leader includes 25 individuals from various countries, including the Philippines, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, and Mexico. Images of the crew during their handover to Omani representatives were broadcasted by Al Masirah TV. While it is believed the crew will travel to Oman, specific details regarding their repatriation have not been disclosed.
The Galaxy Leader was seized by the Houthis on November 19, 2023, while sailing without cargo from Japan to India. The Houthis justified the seizure by citing the vessel’s ownership links to Israel through its commercial operator, UK-based Ray Car Carriers. Following the capture, the ship was anchored near Hodeidah, Yemen, where the Houthis staged a public welcome for the crew.
International organizations, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO), had been advocating for the crew’s release, emphasizing that they were not involved in the ongoing conflict. The Philippines, which had the majority of crew members, expressed concerns about the political complexities surrounding the situation. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez described the release as a significant relief for the maritime community, highlighting the importance of diplomacy in protecting innocent seafarers from geopolitical conflicts.
Despite the crew’s release, the statement did not address the status of the Galaxy Leader itself, which is registered in the Bahamas and has a deadweight tonnage of 17,127. The situation remains fluid, with the Houthis warning that any violations of the ceasefire could lead to further actions against vessels linked to Israel.