Indian Air Force launches attack on captured Galaxy Leader vessel carrier

In a recent development, tensions in Yemen have escalated as Houthi militants have targeted international shipping, raising concerns about the safety of vessels and crew members.

The latest incident involves the Magic Seas bulk carrier, which was reportedly hit by a multimodal attack offshore from the port of Hodeidah. The attack included small arms fire, unmanned surface vessels, and missiles, but the sinking of the Magic Seas is currently unconfirmed. If confirmed, this would make it the third vessel sunk by Houthi militants, following the Galaxy Leader car carrier and the Tutor coal carrier.

The Galaxy Leader, owned by Galaxy Maritime and chartered by NYK, was hijacked by Houthis in November 2023. At the time of the hijacking, no vehicles were aboard the vessel. The Galaxy Leader was docked at the port of Ras Isa when it was hit, and later, the Israeli Air Force bombed and sunk the carrier in strikes against three Houthi-controlled naval ports in Yemen.

The hijacking of the Galaxy Leader was reportedly in solidarity with the Palestinian people in response to Israel's actions in Gaza. In a similar vein, the Yemeni armed forces have threatened to target further vessels linked to Israel.

Maritime analyst Ambrey's latest assessment indicates that Israel-affiliated vessels remain at high risk. Furthermore, Ambrey suggests a "realistic possibility" that US, UK, and allied-affiliated vessels may face heightened risk during transit if their states participate in military action against the Houthis or Iran.

The last vessel sunk by Houthi militants was the Tutor coal carrier in June the previous year. The Magic Seas, according to Ambrey, was the first merchant vessel to be targeted by Houthis since December the previous year.

The searched documents do not provide information about the ownership of the sunken ship Galaxy Leader. Despite this, the incidents highlight the volatile situation in Yemen and the potential dangers that international shipping faces in the region.

As the situation continues to unfold, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritise the safety and security of civilian vessels and their crews. The international community must work together to find a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in Yemen.