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Crew of Galaxy Leader hijacked by Houthi militia dies of malaria
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The Philippine government revealed that a malaria outbreak had occurred on the Galaxy Leader, which has been hijacked by the Iran-backed Houthi militia since November last year. It noted that three Filipino crew members on board were infected with the virus and had been transferred to a hospital controlled by the militia for treatment.
The government confirmed that it is in close communication with some governments that have communication channels with the Houthi rebels to release sick Filipino sailors in hospitals. Meanwhile, there are 14 Filipino sailors on board the ship who are at risk of contracting the virus.
The Philippine News Agency reported on Saturday that three sailors out of the 17 Filipino crew members of the Galaxy Navigator were transferred to a hospital under the control of the Houthi rebels in Yemen, who appeared to be suffering from malaria. It explained that negotiations were underway to evacuate the sick sailors and send them back to the Philippines, and that the process was still “ongoing.”
The agency, through its Migrant Workers Administration, explained that it had issued a new call for the release of 17 Filipino crew members on board a ship held by the Houthis in Yemen.
Hans Liu Cacdak, secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways, explained at a news forum in Quezon City that the three sick sailors are currently being treated in hospitals while the other 14 crew members remain on board. He added: “As far as we know, they are safe. They are being provided with food and basic needs on board, but the release of the three patients is “still in progress.” “The Department of Foreign Affairs has communicated with the government, which has channels of communication with the Houthi rebels, so of course we rely on the Department of Foreign Affairs and coordinate information with them,” Cacdak said.
The Department of Foreign Affairs earlier informed Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. about the situation of the three citizens.
The agency said Honorary Consul in Yemen Mohammed Saleh Jamal requested the Sanaa authorities to help release the Filipino crew members, citing their deteriorating health.
Arrangements are being made to visit the camels on board the MV Galaxy Leader, the first since they were allowed on board about three months ago.
In November 2023, the Houthis hijacked the Bahamian-flagged MV Galaxy Leader, which was sailing to India, near Hodeidah and took 25 crew members hostage, including 17 Filipino crew members.
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