17 Filipino seafarers return home after year-long captivity by Houthi rebels in Yemen

After enduring over a year of captivity by Houthi rebels in Yemen, 17 Filipino crew members of the M/V Galaxy Leader have finally returned home to the Philippines on the night of January 23, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed.

“The seafarers arrived safely at the NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) Terminal 1 in Pasay City via Oman Air 843 at 9:31 pm, Thursday evening,” the DMW shared in a social media post.

“A whole-of-government team welcomes the 17 Filipino crew members of M/V Galaxy Leader who were held captive for more than a year in Yemen,” the DMW added.

The department emphasized that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize the welfare of Filipino seafarers led to their swift repatriation and comprehensive support. It described the return of the crew as the government’s commitment to “ensuring better protection and welfare of the Filipino seafarers and their families”.

Upon arrival at the airport, the crew was greeted with heartfelt applause and warm smiles by Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, and other government officials.

The seafarers are now reunited with their families, marking the end of their harrowing 428-day ordeal – an experience that tested their endurance and resilience.

The 17 Filipino crew members of M/V Galaxy Leader arrived at the NAIA Terminal 1 in Manila from Oman on the night of January 23, 2025, after more than a year of captivity. 

Reunited with their families

Cacdac emphasized the importance of ensuring the seafarers’ well-being as they transition back to normal life. He explained that the crew members will spend time with their families over the next few days and will undergo tests to confirm they are in good health. He also emphasized that both physical and mental recovery are priorities.

He also expressed his gratitude to the families of the seafarers for their trust in the Philippine government, which, according to Cacdac, strengthened the DMW’s efforts to bring them home.

Earlier, the DMW confirmed that the seafarers continued to receive their salaries during their captivity, which served as crucial support for their families back home. 

The agency will also provide a comprehensive assistance package, which includes financial aid of P75,000 (US$1,293) for each of the seafarers, along with medical, welfare, and psychosocial support. It will also offer livelihood and investment training through the National Reintegration Center for the seafarers and their families.

To help the crew cope with the emotional toll of their experience, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) will offer counseling and stress debriefing services.

OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio said the agency will monitor the seafarers during their recovery period. Once they are ready to return to work, they can avail themselves of the agency’s various programs, which will help them rebuild their lives and careers.

Long-awaited announcement

President Marcos was among the first to announce the crew’s safe release on January 23, describing the development as a moment of immense relief and joy.

“It is with utmost joy that, after more than a year of captivity in Yemen, I announce the safe release of all seventeen (17) Filipino seafarers, together with the rest of the crewmembers of M/V Galaxy Leader,” Marcos said via social media in the early hours of January 23. 

He noted that the seafarers were already in the care of the Philippine Embassy in Muscat, Oman, and would be reunited with their loved ones in the Philippines “very soon”.

Marcos thanks Oman government

Marcos expressed his gratitude to Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and the government of Oman for their crucial role in mediating and facilitating the crew’s release.

“Allow me to express my gratitude to His Majesty Haitham bin Tarik, Sultan of Oman, and his government for their successful mediation, which led to the eventual release and safe passage of our countrymen through Oman,” the president said.

He also praised the Philippine government agencies involved in securing the seafarers’ release. According to Marcos, the incident inspired him to sign Republic Act No. 12021, or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, into law.

“As this saga of our brave Filipino seafarers comes to a joyful conclusion, let me remind everyone that they are the reason why I signed Republic Act No. 12021, known as the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, into law,” said the president. 

The legislation Marcos was referring to seeks to safeguard the rights of seafarers, promote fair employment opportunities, and ensure equitable access to education and training within the maritime industry.

“This is to protect their rights and overall welfare, to promote their full employment, and to ensure equal opportunities in the maritime industry — regardless of gender or creed — including equitable access to education, training, and development, consistent with existing domestic and international laws, standards, and conventions,” Marcos said.

Hijacked in the Red Sea

The seafarers’ harrowing journey began in November 2023 when Yemeni rebels hijacked the M/V Galaxy Leader in the Red Sea. The rebels took the ship, along with its 25 crew members — 17 of whom were Filipinos — as part of what they claimed was retaliation against Israel’s actions in Gaza. The vessel was diverted to Yemen’s Port of Hodeidah, where the crew endured months of uncertainty and hardship.

Their release became possible through a ceasefire agreement brokered by international mediators, including the United States. The Houthi rebels, who are backed by Iran, claimed responsibility for the hijacking as part of a series of attacks targeting vessels in the Red Sea. The breakthrough came after negotiations tied to the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, which also led to the release of hostages and detainees on both sides of the conflict.

On January 22, the Houthi rebels confirmed they had freed the crew of the Galaxy Leader as part of their broader release of hostages.

During their transit from Yemen to Oman, the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs provided the 17 Filipino seafarers with pocket money and ensured that all logistics for their repatriation were covered.

The government worked to repatriate them immediately to Manila “so that they could reunite with their long-suffering families as soon as possible,” the DFA said in a statement.

The DFA praised the success of quiet diplomacy in achieving the crew’s release.

“Our successful efforts, despite all the challenges, prove that quiet diplomacy works. The men and women of the Department of Foreign Affairs will remain true to our calling to serve our country and people,” the agency added.

Importance of seafarers to the Philippines

The Philippines is one of the world’s leading suppliers of maritime labor, deploying over 500,000 seafarers in 2023 alone, according to the DMW. Filipino seafarers are renowned for their resilience, skills, and professionalism, making them vital to global trade and shipping.

The Galaxy Leader incident highlights the risks that seafarers face in conflict-prone areas, particularly in regions like the Red Sea. It also underscores the need for robust international collaboration to ensure their safety.

As the 17 seafarers begin their recovery and reintegration, their story serves as a reminder of the courage and sacrifices of Filipino seafarers, who play a critical role in sustaining the global maritime industry.

All photos credit: Department of Migrant Workers

Top photo: Crew members have finally reunited with their families and loved ones, receiving warm hugs and kisses as they were welcomed at NAIA airport. 

The best maritime news and insights delivered to you.

subscribe maritime fairtrade

Here's what you can expect from us:

  • Event offers and discounts
  • News & key insights of the maritime industry
  • Expert analysis and opinions on corruption and more