Philippines Works To Secure Release Of Galaxy Leader Crew After Sailors Hospitalized With Malaria

The Philippine government is intensifying efforts to secure the release of 17 Filipino crew members from the MV Galaxy Leader, a car carrier hijacked by Iranian-backed Houthis in November 2023. The vessel has been held in Yemen since the seizure.

Three Filipino sailors are currently hospitalized due to malaria symptoms, while the remaining 14 crew members remain on board the ship.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed that the hospitalized sailors are receiving medical care and that essential amenities are being provided to those remaining on the ship.

During the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac stated that the situation of the 14 remaining crew members is stable. Cacdac added that, as far as they know, the crew is safe and that they are fed and given their basic amenities on board the ship.

The efforts to release the sick crew members are still ongoing. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is collaborating with governments to maintain communication channels with the Houthi rebels.

Honorary Consul to Yemen Mohammad Saleh Al-Jamal is also seeking assistance from Sana’a authorities, citing the crew members’ poor health.

Video Credits: Evening Standard/YouTube

On November 17, 2023, Houthi forces seized the MV Galaxy Leader near Hodeidah when it was en route from Turkey to India.

The vessel’s crew consists of 17 Filipinos, three Ukrainians, two Bulgarians, two Mexicans, and one Romanian.

Since the hijacking, the Houthis have launched multiple drone and missile attacks in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, resulting in major maritime disruptions.

Philippine officials have reiterated their requests for the crew’s release, emphasizing their non-involvement in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the DFA urge an immediate humanitarian release. The DFA has also been informed of the crew’s condition and expects further developments from the current negotiations in Yemen.

The situation remains difficult due to regional geopolitical tensions and the operations of the Houthis, which are part of a larger conflict related to the Israel-Hamas war.

The Philippine government has already secured the release of other crewmembers held in Iran, but the Galaxy Leader incident poses distinctive challenges due to Yemen’s current political situation.

Reference: PNA

Philippines Works To Secure Release Of Galaxy Leader Crew After Sailors Hospitalized With Malaria appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News