The Houthis are holding hostage three Ukrainian sailors from a captured ship

The Marine Transport Workers Trade Union of Ukraine talked about the situation with Ukrainian sailors being taken hostage in the Red Sea.

In November, the Yemeni Houthis captured the ship “Galaxy Leader “in the Red Sea. There were three Ukrainian sailors on it, said the head of Union Oleh Hrygoryuk.

According to available information, the Houthis are still holding the ship’s crew. Through the Embassy of Ukraine in Great Britain, MarineTransport Workers Trade Union of Ukraine maintains contact with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which takes care of this issue. Hryhoriuk added that negotiations are currently ongoing.

The head of the Union also said that there is a certain procedure for taking sailors hostage. First, the shipowner sends a professional negotiator who resolves the issue of releasing the ship and the crew. Insurance companies and embassies provide consultants.

Officially, states do not negotiate with terrorists. It is also important that the more publicity given to a situation, the more difficult it is to resolve it.

Already after release, seafarers turn to their national trade unions for the help they need. They provide financial and psychological assistance. The sailors from the ship “Galaxy Leader” or their relatives have not yet been contacted by Marine Transport Workers Trade Union of Ukraine.