The government of the Philippines is making renewed efforts to secure the release of the crewmembers of the hijacked car carrier Galaxy Leader, currently held in Yemen. Reports indicate that some Filipino crewmembers are ill, prompting calls for a humanitarian release.
The Galaxy Leader was seized by Houthi forces on November 19, 2023, while en route from Turkey to India. The forces boarded the vessel using helicopters and aerial vehicles, citing Israeli ownership interests in the shipping company. The crew, including 17 Filipinos, have been aboard for nearly 10 months with reports of health issues, including symptoms of malaria.
The Philippines government and UK-based company Ray Car Carriers are advocating for the crew’s release, emphasizing their non-involvement in the conflict. Despite successful negotiations for crew release in other countries, the Yemen situation complicates matters. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Department of Foreign Affairs are urging for immediate humanitarian action.