THE Galaxy Leader flagged in the Bahamas fell victim to a hijacking by houthi forces 50 nautical miles west of Hodeida in the Red Sea on November 19, reports Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide.
The 189-metre car carrier, traveling empty from Korfez, Turkey, to Pipavav, India, was intercepted by several small fast boats. Uniformed, armed personnel descended from a Mi-17 helicopter onto the deck, compelling the crew to alter course to the port of Hodeida.
Palestinian and Yemeni flags were raised aboard, and a takeover video was released.
The vessel intentionally disabled its AIS before the incident but was later identified at coordinates corresponding to the Hodeidah anchorage in Yemen, marking the first in a series of incidents in the region as Houthi activities target vessels, mainly through the Straits of al-Mandab.
The AS Strinda, a Norwegian-flagged tanker, was the most recent target, revealing a rapid escalation in tactics and targeted vessels, attacked with a missile launched from Houthi-held territory.
The Galaxy Leader incident followed a declaration by Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, leader of Yemen's Houthi militia, on November 14, asserting perpetual vigilance over Israeli ships in the Red Sea.
Houthi spokesman Yahya Sare'e linked the seizure to alleged Israeli ownership, disputed by Israel, which classified it as an 'Iranian act of terrorism.'
Houthi military spokesman Sare'e's subsequent statement threatening all ships bound for Israeli ports unless Gaza receives necessary supplies signals a strategic shift in Houthi maritime warfare.
The hijacking prompted swift condemnation, with the Israeli military deeming it a very grave incident of global consequence.
Yemen's government, the EU, the UK, and Western nations condemned the militia for jeopardizing international maritime traffic.
The 25-member crew hails from the Philippines, Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Mexico, with none of the members being of Israeli origin.
The Houthi's vow to handle the crew in accordance with Islamic teachings raises concerns.
Subsequent attacks and attempted hijackings by both Houthi forces and Somali pirates against a broader range of vessels, including military ones, indicate an alarming trend.
Shipping companies are contemplating bypassing this region for a route around the Cape of Good Hope, incurring additional time and expense.
Rumors suggest the Joint War Committee at Lloyds may expand the area, adding insurance premiums to the escalating cost of shipping goods.
SeaNews Turkey
The 189-metre car carrier, traveling empty from Korfez, Turkey, to Pipavav, India, was intercepted by several small fast boats. Uniformed, armed personnel descended from a Mi-17 helicopter onto the deck, compelling the crew to alter course to the port of Hodeida.
Palestinian and Yemeni flags were raised aboard, and a takeover video was released.
The vessel intentionally disabled its AIS before the incident but was later identified at coordinates corresponding to the Hodeidah anchorage in Yemen, marking the first in a series of incidents in the region as Houthi activities target vessels, mainly through the Straits of al-Mandab.
The AS Strinda, a Norwegian-flagged tanker, was the most recent target, revealing a rapid escalation in tactics and targeted vessels, attacked with a missile launched from Houthi-held territory.
The Galaxy Leader incident followed a declaration by Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, leader of Yemen's Houthi militia, on November 14, asserting perpetual vigilance over Israeli ships in the Red Sea.
Houthi spokesman Yahya Sare'e linked the seizure to alleged Israeli ownership, disputed by Israel, which classified it as an 'Iranian act of terrorism.'
Houthi military spokesman Sare'e's subsequent statement threatening all ships bound for Israeli ports unless Gaza receives necessary supplies signals a strategic shift in Houthi maritime warfare.
The hijacking prompted swift condemnation, with the Israeli military deeming it a very grave incident of global consequence.
Yemen's government, the EU, the UK, and Western nations condemned the militia for jeopardizing international maritime traffic.
The 25-member crew hails from the Philippines, Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Mexico, with none of the members being of Israeli origin.
The Houthi's vow to handle the crew in accordance with Islamic teachings raises concerns.
Subsequent attacks and attempted hijackings by both Houthi forces and Somali pirates against a broader range of vessels, including military ones, indicate an alarming trend.
Shipping companies are contemplating bypassing this region for a route around the Cape of Good Hope, incurring additional time and expense.
Rumors suggest the Joint War Committee at Lloyds may expand the area, adding insurance premiums to the escalating cost of shipping goods.
SeaNews Turkey