GALAXY LEADER

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Ongoing efforts to release ailing crew

The Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has reported ongoing efforts to secure the release of 17 Filipino crew members of the 'Galaxy Leader'. Three sailors were showing malaria symptoms and have been hospitalized. DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac provided updates during the News Forum in Quezon City on Aug 3, stating that the three ailing crew members were receiving medical care in a hospital, while the remaining 14 crew members were still on board the vessel, being fed and given their basic necessities on board the ship. The release of three hospitalized crew members was under negotiation, with the Department of Foreign Affairs engaging with governments that have communication channels with the Houthi terrorists and coordinating with the DMW for information and assistance. The Honorary Consul to Yemen Mohammad Saleh Al-Jamal was also seeking assistance from the Sana’a authorities for the release of Filipino crew members on humanitarian grounds due to their deteriorating health. He was planning to visit the 'Galaxy Leader', his first visit in about three months.

Managers renewed calls to release crew

On June 18, the managers of the 'Galaxy Leader' renewed calls for the release of the 25 crew members, among them the Bulgarian captain and chief officer, along with 17 Filipinos and other sailors from Ukraine, Mexico and Romania, who have been held captive by Yemen's Houthi militants for seven months after the ship was hijacked on Nov 19, 2023. "The Houthis have nothing to gain by keeping the 25 crew members," said the ship's managers, who requested that they be released to their families without further delay.

Red Cross delegation visited hijacked ship and crew

The crew of the 'Galaxy Leader' expressed their hope for an early return to their families, when a delegation from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) visited the vessel on May 12 near the port city of Hodeidah. It was the first time that the organization did so, after the vessel was hijacked by the Houthi group. The delegation has met all 25 detainees to check on their condition and listen to their concerns. The crew consists of different nationalities, including Ukrainian, Bulgarian, Mexican and Filipino nationals. The Houthi group, also known as Ansar Allah, claimed that the crew have regular communication with their families. The Houthi group warned they will not be released until Israel's war on Gaza stops and permanent ceasefire is reached with Hamas.