Shipping industry calls for release of Galaxy Leader crew still held captive

InterManager and other leading maritime stakeholders have called for the release of the 25-strong crew of the Galaxy Leader, seized by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea three months’ ago.

The vessel, a roll-on/roll-off vehicle carrier, was seized on the 19 November. The maritime industry  from around the world has joined together to express their concern for the seafarers who have been held hostage for so long, and to call on the Houthis to release them.

In a statement issued on 19 Feb 2024, the organisations said: “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.  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”.