Houthi Group to Release Captured Ship Galaxy Leader

Yemen’s Houthi militant group has announced plans to release the car carrier Galaxy Leader, which they captured in late 2023. This decision follows their recent halt to attacks on merchant shipping in the Red Sea. The ship’s crew endured over a year of captivity, prompting international appeals for their release.

Background of the Capture

The Galaxy Leader was seized by Houthi forces on November 19, 2023. Commandos boarded the vessel by helicopter, taking control of the bridge and holding the crew hostage. This marked the first significant attack on shipping by the Houthis since the onset of the Gaza conflict. The group justified the seizure by citing the Israeli-linked ownership of the ship’s commercial operator, UK-based Ray Car Carriers.

After capturing the vessel, the Houthis diverted it to an anchorage near Hodeidah, Yemen. They opened the ship to the public, transforming it into a tourist attraction for locals. At one point, the number of visitors on the top deck was so large that it was visible in satellite images. However, the crew’s experience was far from celebratory. They were held in captivity for over a year, with limited contact with their families. The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) condemned their detention as “unconscionable.” Many crew members had already been on board for extended periods before their capture, with some nearing two years away from home.

The Philippine government attempted to negotiate the release of 17 Filipino seafarers aboard the Galaxy Leader, but these efforts were unsuccessful. The crew also included three Ukrainians, two Bulgarians, two Mexicans, and one Romanian, highlighting the global nature of maritime operations. The attack on the Galaxy Leader initiated a year-long blockade of the Red Sea by the Houthis, during which they attacked over 100 vessels, resulting in the sinking of two ships and the deaths of four seafarers.

Despite the recent announcement of the ship’s release, the situation in the Red Sea remains tense, with ongoing threats to maritime safety and security.

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