Release of Galaxy Leader crew statement

The release of the crew of the Galaxy Leader is a moment of profound relief. Not only for the hostages and their families, but for everyone who has supported them throughout this ordeal, whether through prayers, advocacy, or other efforts to secure their freedom.

At The Mission to Seafarers, we have been honoured to stand alongside the families of the crew who have also been severely impacted by this plight during these 430 days of unimaginable fear and uncertainty. In collaboration with industry partners, our dedicated teams in Jordan and Cyprus have provided a range of support services to these families.

We have journeyed with the Galaxy Leader families, facilitating the engagement of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) with them as one of the foundations of the IMO’s work to secure the crew’s release. We will also remain available to assist as the crew transition home to be reunited with their families.

This incident is a stark reminder of the threats faced by seafarers, which are often outside of their control. Seafarers must never be used as geopolitical pawns. Their rights to perform their lawful duties must be upheld without compromise.

Today, as we express our deepest gratitude for those whose efforts made the release possible, we also celebrate the extraordinary resilience demonstrated by the crew and their families. Their courage in the face of such trauma serves as an inspiration to us all.

– The Ven. Dr Peter Rouch, Secretary General, The Mission to Seafarers

Note: The photo is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual incident or individuals involved.