Vessel Seizure2023-11-19

Galaxy Leader

Houthis seize Israeli-linked car carrier — first vessel captured in Red Sea crisis

Flag: Bahamas·Type: Car carrier (PCTC)·Operator: Ray Car Carriers (Japanese-owned, Israeli-linked)

Background

Galaxy Leader is a Bahamas-flagged car carrier (Pure Car and Truck Carrier) owned by a company linked to Israeli businessman Abraham 'Rami' Ungar. The vessel was transiting the Red Sea when it was seized in the first boarding operation of the Houthi attack campaign.

The Incident

On November 19, 2023, Houthi forces approached Galaxy Leader by small boat and helicopter in the Red Sea. Armed Houthi fighters boarded the vessel, overpowered the 25 crew members (who were of mixed nationalities, including Filipino, Ukrainian, and Mexican citizens), and diverted it to Hodeidah port in Yemen.

Outcome

Galaxy Leader and its crew were held at Hodeidah, Yemen. The Houthis used the vessel and its crew as a public propaganda tool, allowing organized tours of the vessel and broadcasting footage of the crew. The crew remained in captivity for months. The vessel is visible in commercial satellite imagery at Hodeidah port.

Strategic Significance

The Galaxy Leader seizure was the opening act of the Houthi shipping campaign and established the pattern of targeting vessels with Israeli links. It marked the first time a commercial vessel had been captured in the Red Sea by a non-state armed group using helicopter assault tactics.

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