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

Monday 19 February 2024 marks the three-month anniversary since the Houthis seized the Galaxy Leader and its 25 seafarers in the Red Sea.

The vessel, a roll-on/roll-off vehicle carrier, was seized on the 19 November 2023.

IMCA has joined the maritime industry to express concern for the seafarers who have been held hostage, and call on the Houthis to release the crew of the Galaxy Leader, co-signing an industry statement calling for their release:

“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.”

IMCA is one of 28 maritime industry bodies coming together to sign the statement.