Call for Release of Galaxy Leader Crew on Seizure Anniversary

November 19 marks the one-year anniversary of the seizure of the crew of the car carrier Galaxy Leader by Yemen’s Houthis, with the International Chamber of Shipping renewing calls for their release.

Guy Platten, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping, said: “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 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.”

The Bahamas-flagged Galaxy Leader's crew of 25 is made up of nationals from Bulgaria, Ukraine, the Philippines, Mexico and Romania.