MV Galaxy Leader (follow-up: 1-year anniversary + crew release)

Bryan Flowers

hostage release milestone · 2024-11-19 · Red Sea (southern red sea)

Date: 2024-11-19
Region: Red Sea
Vessel: MV Galaxy Leader (follow-up: 1-year anniversary + crew release)
IMO: 9237307
Flag: BHS
Vessel type: car carrier
Incident type: hostage release milestone
Outcome: phased release
Casualties: none confirmed

Summary

One year after the Houthi seizure of the Galaxy Leader (19 November 2023), the 25 crew remained held at Hodeidah port, Yemen. Phased releases began through 2025 following Omani + international mediation. The vessel itself became a tourist attraction on the Yemeni coast during her captivity — pilgrims + curiosity-seekers boarded photo tours. The case became the longest-running merchant vessel hostage case of the modern Houthi campaign + drove IMO + ITF pressure on Iran/Yemen for release. This aggregate follow-up entry documents the continued hostage situation + eventual phased release.

Source

Reporting organisation: ITF Seafarers + IMO Circular Letter

https://www.itfseafarers.org/en/campaigns/abandoned-crews

Entries on this site are curated from public reporting by the named organisation. Verify against the original source before citing.

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