In a recent maritime escalation, two commercial ships have changed their routes following the Houthis' seizure of a Israeli linked cargo ship in the Red Sea. As Japan claims ownership of the captured vessel, the Houthis counter by labeling it Israeli. The situation intensifies as dozens of crew members are reported to have been taken hostage.
On Sunday, Israel stated that the Houthis had seized a ‘British-owned, Japanese-operated cargo ship in the southern Red Sea,’ describing the incident as an “Iranian act of terrorism” with potential consequences for international maritime security.
Contrary to Israel's assertion, the Houthis maintained that they seized an Israeli cargo ship in the Red Sea on Sunday, aligning with their previous warning to target vessels connected to or owned by Israel until Israel ceases airstrikes on the Gaza Strip.
On Monday, Japan's top government spokesperson ‘confirmed’ the capture of the Nippon Yusen-operated ship, “Galaxy Leader,” and expressed that Japan is appealing to the Houthis while seeking assistance from Saudi, Omani, and Iranian authorities for the swift release of the vessel and its crew.
The “Hermes Leader,” initially bound south of Nishtun in Yemen, altered its course, as indicated by Ambrey. The “Glovis Star” also drifted for several hours in the Red Sea before resuming its journey, according to AIS ship tracking data on Monday.
The registered owner of “Galaxy Leader,” Isle of Man-based Galaxy Maritime Ltd, reported on Monday that the vessel was “illegally boarded by military personnel via a helicopter” on November 19.
In response to inquiries about the other two vessels' diversion, a spokesperson for the company declined further comments, citing the sensitivity of “political issues.”
Houthi leadership stated last week their intention to launch further attacks on Israel, potentially targeting Israeli ships in the Red Sea and the Bab Al-Mandeb Strait.
The US maritime administration, MARAD, issued an advisory, confirming the “hijacking” of the “Galaxy Leader” approximately 50 miles west of the Houthi-controlled port of Hudaydah. The advisory urged ships to “exercise caution when transiting this area.”