Yemen’s Houthi Forces Seize Commercial Ship in Red Sea

In a dramatic turn of events, the commercial vessel Galaxy Leader was forcibly boarded by military personnel in Yemen’s Hodeidah port area on November 19.

Galaxy Maritime Ltd, the Isle of Man-based owner of the ship, confirmed the incident, stating that all communication with the vessel was lost following the boarding. The company, while refraining from commenting on the political implications, confirmed the crew’s diverse nationalities, including citizens from Bulgaria, Ukraine, the Philippines, Mexico, and Romania.

The Bahamas-flagged ship, chartered by Japan’s Nippon Yusen, became the center of international attention when Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis released footage of the seizure, showcasing armed men descending from a helicopter onto the ship in the southern Red Sea.