The Cyprus Shipping Chamber warmly welcomes the release of the Galaxy Leader crew, who were unlawfully seized, on 19 November 2023, by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, bringing much-needed relief to the seafarers, their families and the global shipping community, who have been deeply distressed by this incident.
The Chamber also extends its gratitude to all parties involved in the diplomatic efforts that ensured the safe release of the crew. This development underscores the vital importance of international collaboration in safeguarding maritime security.
At the same time, the Chamber calls on nations worldwide to continue prioritise the protection of seafarers and maritime operations, which are critical to the global economy and the welfare of countless individuals. Innocent seafarers must be protected from victimisation and the safety of maritime routes must be maintained at all times. This is essential to foster an environment of safety and stability in international waters and to ensure the uninterrupted global supply of goods amidst geopolitical instabilities.