Industry Organizations Call for Release of Seafarers Held Captive by Houthis

Nearly 29 industry organizations are calling for the release of 25 seafarers who have been held captive on board the Galaxy Leader for three months. The industry’s representative bodies have described the seafarers as innocent victims of aggression against worldwide shipping and are urging international organizations and States to make all efforts to secure their release. The hijacking of the Galaxy Leader by the Houthis in the Red Sea has led to over 50 vessels being struck with missiles and drones, causing almost 80% of container shipping to be diverted from the Red Sea and the Suez Canal to the longer route via the Cape of Good Hope.

The Houthis have vowed to continue striking Israeli-linked or Israel-bound vessels as long as the conflict in Gaza continues. Despite military actions against the Houthis in Yemen by the US and the UK, attacks on commercial shipping have continued, and the 25 seafarers on the Galaxy Leader are still being held hostage. The hijacking has caused significant disruptions to shipping routes, with container shipping experiencing delays of 10 to 14 days on Asia-Europe/Med trips. The situation has also led to pressure from charterers on owners of dry bulk vessels and tankers to continue using the Red Sea.

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