In a daring and illicit maneuver, military personnel unlawfully boarded the Galaxy Leader commercial ship bound for India via helicopter on November 19, leading to its current location in the Hodeidah port area of Yemen, as confirmed by the vessel's owner, Isle of Man registered Galaxy Maritime Ltd, on Monday.
Following the breach, all communication with the ship was abruptly severed, leaving the fate of the Bahamas-flagged Galaxy Leader hanging in the balance. The vessel's crew, consisting of nationals from Bulgaria, Ukraine, the Philippines, Mexico, and Romania, now finds itself in the hands of the perpetrators of this audacious act.
Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis released video footage on Monday showcasing armed individuals descending from a helicopter and seizing control of the cargo ship in the southern Red Sea. The incident has prompted condemnation from the United States, labeling the seizure as a blatant violation of international law. The U.S. State Department, represented by spokesman Matthew Miller, called for the immediate release of the vessel and its multinational crew.
Galaxy Maritime Ltd, as a shipping concern, has opted not to delve into the political or geopolitical implications surrounding the incident, stating, "The company will not be commenting further on the political or geopolitical situation." However, it emphasized the gravity of the situation, asserting that the seizure represents a severe infringement on the freedom of passage for the global fleet and poses a significant threat to international trade.
The Galaxy Leader, chartered by Japan's Nippon Yusen, has now become a focal point of international concern. The owners and managers of the vessel underscored that their primary apprehension lies in the safety and security of the 25 crew members currently held captive by those responsible for this criminal act.
As the international community grapples with this flagrant violation of maritime norms, the United States has pledged to consult with its allies and U.N. partners to determine the appropriate next steps in response to this audacious breach of international law.
0 Comments