---

SCI joins the international maritime community in advocating for the release of the Galaxy Reader Crew—Read the full International Chamber of Shipping statement here: Shipping industry calls for release of Galaxy Leader crew still held captive.

---

With a sense of horror, many of us watched the October 19, 2023, video footage showing the helicopter assault by Houthi rebels as they hijacked the vehicle-carrier vessel Galaxy Leader in the Red Sea and detained its twenty-five-member crew. This attack has attracted considerable global attention and concern. Phil Schifflin, Director of SCI’s Center for Mariner Advocacy, has participated in calls about the ongoing challenges in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, where he regularly advocates for the seafarers impacted by this crisis, including these detained seafarers. Phil noted that international organizations like the International Maritime Organization (IMO), International Labour Organization (ILO), International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), and International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) are all working for the seafarers’ safe release. Phil continues to look for additional opportunities to advocate for the release of these detained seafarers, including at an upcoming IMO meeting that he will be attending in London.