Fading Hope for Release of Hijacked Cargo Ship Crew
MANILA — Hope is fading for the imminent return of the international crew of the cargo ship hijacked by the Houthis in November, with a senior Filipino diplomat saying he does not expect a release until the war in Gaza is over, while the Houthis say the fate of the sailors is now in Hamas’ hands.
Lengthy Hostage Ordeal
A Houthi-owned helicopter hijacked the Galaxy Leader cargo ship on November 19 in the Red Sea, as rebel gunmen laid siege to the vessel and took the ship’s crew of 17 Filipinos, two Bulgarians, three Ukrainians, two Mexicans and a Romanian hostage.
No Immediate Release in Sight
It’s now been more than 116 days since the hijacking, and according to a senior Filipino government official, there is no indication that the Houthis are open to releasing them until the hostilities end.
Decision in Hamas’ Hands
The Houthis said Thursday they had handed over the decision about the release of the Galaxy Leader to Hamas.
Conditions for the Hostages
De Vega says that the crew is being fed – some have even reported weight gain – and there’s no indication of violence. They’re allowed brief, weekly calls with their families, although the identities of the hostages have been kept from the public.
Impact on Filipino Seafarers
The Philippines sends nearly half a million seafarers worldwide throughout the year, making up more than one-fifth of maritime manpower. The large numbers mean Filipinos are disproportionately exposed to the dangers posed by Houthis targeting ships in the Red Sea.
Geopolitical Implications
Years of conflict have sparked one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, leaving hundreds of thousands dead, Yemen divided and parts of the country in famine.
Continued Attacks on Ships
Data shared by Ambrey Analytics indicates there have been nearly 100 incidents involving hostile activity towards ships in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait area since the beginning of the conflict.
International Efforts and Consequences
The United States and Britain have conducted multiple rounds of air strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen since February but that has not stopped the attacks.
Houthi Strike on Ship with American Ties: Crew Rescued by Indian Navy
In a daring rescue operation, the Indian Navy saved the remaining crew members of a ship targeted by Houthi rebels. The crew was then taken to Djibouti for urgent medical treatment.
Houthi spokesperson Yahya Sarea justified the attack, claiming the ship was American. He declared that their operations in the Red and Arab Seas would continue until the aggression ceased and the siege on the Palestinian people in Gaza was lifted.
Tragically, the bodies of those presumed dead in the strike are still on board the ship. They are now being transferred to the nearest port, as confirmed by de Vega, a spokesperson for the crew.
Despite the grim situation, one family clings to hope, waiting to see the remains of their loved one. Miracles are still possible, as they hold on to faith.
After their harrowing experience at sea, most Filipino crew members returned to Manila on Tuesday, finally reuniting with their families. Mark Dagohoy, a crew member, expressed the pain and sorrow felt by the entire crew after the sudden attack.
This fatal strike signals a dangerous escalation of Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, putting the lives of seafarers at risk. Crew members from the Global South are now facing death, injury, and capture as Western navies step up their defenses against Houthi threats.
Industry standards call for fair compensation and the right to refuse journeys in high-risk areas. However, the ownership of the ship targeted by the Houthi rebels remains murky, with conflicting reports about its ties to an American private equity firm.
Despite initial indications that the crew may have had the option to decline the journey, questions remain about their awareness of the ship’s American connections. Manning agencies play a crucial role in crew assignments, but transparency is essential for the safety of all seafarers.
CNN has reached out to the ship’s manager, Third January Maritime, for further comments on this ongoing crisis. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
