Maritime Industry Marks Three Months Since Houthis Seized the Galaxy Leader

The global maritime industry on Monday marked the unfortunate three-month anniversary of the seizure of the Galaxy Leader and its 25 seafarers by the Houthi forces in the Red Sea. The vehicle carrier was captured on November 19, 2023, and marks the only vessel seizure by Houthi forces since launching their attacks on shipping in October.

The maritime community worldwide has united in expressing their profound concern for the captured seafarers, hailing from Bulgaria, Mexico, Romania, Ukraine and the Philippines, and urging the Houthi forces to immediately release the ship’s crew.

“The 25 seafarers who make up the crew of the Galaxy Leader are innocent victims of the ongoing aggression against world shipping, and their plight is a major concern as the merchant shipping community continues to come under attack,” the statement said.

“All efforts must be made by international organisations and States to secure the release of the seafarers.

“It is abhorrent that seafarers were seized by military forces and that they have been kept from their families and loved ones for too long. All 25 crew members of the Galaxy Leader must be released now,” the statement added.

Numerous global maritime organizations co-signed this statement, demonstrating the industry’s unified stance on the issue. Signatories include the Asian Shipowners Association (ASA), Asociación de Navieros Españoles (ANAVE), Bahamas Shipowners Association, BIMCO, Chamber of Marine Commerce, International Chamber of Shipping, and the World Shipping Council, among many others.

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