Armed Men Seize Cargo Ship in Red Sea, Prompting Violation of International Law & Crew Demands
On November 19, armed men conducted an illegal boarding of the commercial ship, Galaxy Leader, in the Red Sea. The vessel, registered in the Isle of Man, was then taken to the Hodeidah port area in Yemen. The ship’s owner, Galaxy Maritime Ltd, reported that all communications were lost with the vessel following the seizure. This incident has raised concerns regarding the violation of international law and has prompted demands for the immediate release of the ship and its crew.
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi fighters released video footage depicting the armed men descending from a helicopter and taking control of the cargo ship in the southern Red Sea. The United States swiftly condemned this seizure, labeling it as a blatant breach of international law. The U.S. State Department’s spokesperson, Matthew Miller, emphasized the urgent need for the release of the vessel and its crew. The international community, including allies and U.N. partners, will be consulted to determine the appropriate actions to be taken in response to this situation.
The Bahamas-flagged Galaxy Leader is operated by Galaxy Maritime and chartered by Japan’s Nippon Yusen. It has a crew consisting of nationals from Bulgaria, Ukraine, the Philippines, Mexico, and Romania. The ship’s seizure has significantly impacted the freedom of passage for the global fleet, posing a serious threat to international trade. The primary concern at present is the safety and security of the 25 crew members who are currently being held captive by the perpetrators of this criminal act.
Galaxy Maritime and its management strongly believe that the seizure of their vessel represents a gross violation of international maritime law. They express their serious concerns about the potential long-term consequences for the shipping industry and global trade. However, the company has made it clear that, as a shipping concern, they will not be providing further comments on the political or geopolitical aspects surrounding this incident.
This troubling development in the Red Sea underscores the need for international collaboration and concerted efforts to ensure the safety and security of maritime trade. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the global shipping industry, where vessels are susceptible to piracy, hostage-taking, and other illicit activities. As tensions persist in the region, it is crucial for governments and international organizations to work together to safeguard the freedom of navigation and protect the innocent lives of seafarers who operate on these vessels.
In conclusion, the unlawful seizure of the Galaxy Leader in the Red Sea has stirred controversy and raised concerns regarding the violation of international law. The United States has strongly condemned this act and demanded the immediate release of the ship and its crew. The shipping industry is deeply troubled by this incident, as it poses a significant threat to international trade and the freedom of passage for vessels. Efforts must be intensified to ensure the safety and security of maritime trade in the face of ongoing challenges in the region.
