The Galaxy Leader cargo ship is escorted by Houthi boats in the Red Sea in this photo released November 20, 2023. Houthi Military Media/Handout via REUTERS
In a disturbing turn of events in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, two commercial vessels altering their course have been linked to the same maritime group associated with the recent seizure of a vessel by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The revelation, based on shipping data and insights from British maritime security firm Ambrey, adds a layer of complexity to the already tense situation.
On Sunday, Israel accused the Houthis of seizing a British-owned, Japanese-operated cargo ship in the southern Red Sea, denouncing it as an “Iranian act of terrorism” with far-reaching implications for global maritime security. While the Houthis confirmed the ship’s seizure, they portrayed it as an Israeli vessel.
Confirming the capture of the Nippon Yusen-operated ship Galaxy Leader, Japan’s top government spokesperson revealed ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure the vessel’s swift release. Japan sought assistance from Saudi, Omani, and Iranian authorities in this delicate matter.
Notably, two other vessels, the Glovis Star and Hermes Leader, both commercially managed by Ray Car Carriers, diverted from their intended routes on Sunday, as reported by Ambrey. The Hermes Leader, originally en route south of Nishtun in Yemen, altered its course, retracing its path back to its origin and indicating a significant business disruption. Meanwhile, the Glovis Star experienced a temporary drift in the Red Sea before resuming its journey.
Galaxy Maritime Ltd, the registered owner of the Galaxy Leader, revealed that the vessel was unlawfully boarded by military personnel via a helicopter on November 19. However, when pressed about the diversion of the other two vessels, a company spokesperson declined to comment, citing the sensitive nature of “political issues.”
Against the backdrop of these developments, Houthi leaders had previously declared their intent to launch further attacks on Israel, specifically mentioning the possibility of targeting Israeli ships in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) issued a cautionary advisory, noting that the Galaxy Leader had been hijacked approximately 50 miles west of the Houthi-controlled port of Hodeidah.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog, expressing concern over the situation, remarked on the unprecedented nature of an official announcement about pirates taking control of a ship on the high seas, emphasizing the potential threat to international law and order.
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