International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Secretary General Guy Platten issued the below statement following the release of the Galaxy Leader crew:
“We welcome the news of the Galaxy Leader crew being released today and that they will be reunited with their families after being held in captivity since the 19 November 2023. The fact that the innocent crew were held for over 430 days is unacceptable and a truly dreadful situation.
Nobody should have to endure such an ordeal, and we call on all nations to support our seafarers and shipping so that this does not happen again.
ICS deplores any and all attacks on shipping as they are a breach of international law and threaten the lives of innocent seafarers and the safety of merchant shipping.”
Separately, ICS member the Cyprus Shipping Chamber has also warmly welcomed the release of the Galaxy Leader crew, saying it extends its gratitude to all parties involved in the diplomatic efforts that ensured the safe release of the crew. This development underscores the vital importance of international collaboration in safeguarding maritime security, it adds.
At the same time, the Chamber calls on nations worldwide to continue prioritise the protection of seafarers and maritime operations, which are critical to the global economy and the welfare of countless individuals. “Innocent seafarers must be protected from victimisation and the safety of maritime routes must be maintained at all times,” it says. “This is essential to foster an environment of safety and stability in international waters and to ensure the uninterrupted global supply of goods amidst geopolitical instabilities.”
