MUSCAT: After a successful mediation from Oman, the Houthis have released the crew of the Galaxy Leader ship more than a year after they seized the Bahamas-flagged vessel off the Yemeni Red Sea coast.

“As part of Oman’s ongoing humanitarian efforts regarding the situation of the Galaxy Leader ship crew in Yemen, the crew were released today and transported from Sanaa to Muscat in preparation for their repatriation,” a statement from state-owned Oman News Agency said on Wednesday.

The crew is comprised of 25 nationals from Bulgaria, Ukraine, the Philippines, Mexico and Romania, according to the car carrier’s owner Galaxy Maritime. The Royal Air Force of Oman flight transported the crew from Sanaa to Muscat on Wednesday.

“The Sultanate of Oman values the cooperation extended by the parties concerned in facilitating and completing this process,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, His Excellency Sayyid Badr Al Busaidi, Oman’s foreign minister thanked the concerned authorities in Yemen. “We are happy to confirm the successful release of the Galaxy Leader crew and their safe arrival in Oman. A total of 25 from 5 nationalities (Bulgaria, Mexico, Philippines, Romania, Ukraine). We thank and value the cooperation and understanding of all concerned authorities in Yemen and elsewhere. This achievement reflects the importance of collective efforts in addressing humanitarian challenges. Oman remains committed to supporting such initiatives in the spirit of dialogue, trust and partnership,” he added.

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