International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has called for the immediate release of the Galaxy Leader and its crew.

Speaking at the opening of the 10th Session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction on January 22, Dominguez ramped up his continued call to end attacks on international shipping at the Red Sea.

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez [Source: IMO]

"It is with great concern that I must highlight the regrettable situation developing in the Red Sea on my first meeting as Secretary-General. I wish to take this opportunity to reiterate my strong condemnation of attacks against international shipping in the area and call for an immediate release of the Galaxy Leader and its crew," Dominguez said.

"I will continue to reiterate my three key messages on the situation: seafarers are innocent victims, and their safety is paramount; the principle of freedom of navigation should be upheld and allow safe trade of essential goods; and the call for de-escalation of the situation," he added.

The car-carrier Galaxy Leader and its crew were seized by Houthi groups in November 2023 and are yet to be released. The carrier — owned by Ray Car Carriers and chartered by NYK — was hijacked in mid-November, prompting the onset of the Red Sea crisis that saw over 30 commercial vessels attacked in the next months.

The ship, along with its 25 crew members, is currently being held captive in Yemen under the control of the Houthi group.

The IMO said it continues to work closely together with governments, partners from the shipping industry and the international community to monitor the situation in the Read Sea and take actions to protect ships, cargoes and seafarers.