November 19th marks a full year that the crew of the Galaxy Leader have been held hostage. The Bahamas Ambassador to the IMO Paul Rolle drew attention to this significant date with a statement to the 133rd Session of the International Maritime Organization Council highlighting the plight of the crew who, along with their families, are innocent victims of a geopolitical circumstance that is completely out of their control.
These seafarers have, in some cases, been at sea for nearly two years and have been held against their will with only limited contact with their families, friends, and loved ones. The Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) and the Bahamas Shipowners Association (BSA) send their thoughts and prayers to the seafarers being held hostage along with all those affected by this unacceptable situation, and we join the maritime community in its calls for their immediate release.
Photo credit: EPA/YAHYA ARHAB
