JSA message regarding release of the GALAXY LEADER crew

Yukikazu Myochin, President of the Japanese Shipowners’ Association (JSA), has confirmed that the entire crew of M/V GALAXY LEADER, which a JSA member company charters, were released by the Houthis last week (January 24).

M/V GALAXY LEADER was seized by the Houthis after a helicopter assault on 19 November 2023 when she was sailing in the Red Sea. Since then, all 25 crew members have been detained in a Yemeni port for a period extending over one year and two months.

“I welcome the release of the entire crew and sincerely hope for their swift return to their families and homes, as well as the return of the ship to her legitimate owner”, said Mr Myochin.

“The JSA greatly appreciates the tireless and collaborative efforts by everyone involved in their release, particularly those in the Japanese Government, the International Maritime Organization and the International Chamber of Shipping.

“The JSA firmly believes that it is unforgivable at any time to seize a merchant ship by force, and to detain innocent seafarers for an extended period, when the ship is on the High Seas where navigational freedom is assured under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. We strongly hope that such a barbarous act does not reoccur and, through international coordination, free and safe navigation of merchant ships on international water is guaranteed.”