Seized Galaxy Chief ship in Yemen’s Hodeidah port space -owner

LONDON, Nov 20 (Reuters) – The Galaxy Chief industrial ship was “illegally boarded by army personnel by way of a helicopter” on Nov. 19 and is now within the Hodeidah port space in Yemen, the vessel’s proprietor stated on Monday.

“All communications have been subsequently misplaced with the vessel,” Isle of Man registered Galaxy Maritime Ltd, proprietor of the pure automobile provider Galaxy Chief, stated in a press release.

“The corporate, as a delivery concern, is not going to be commenting additional on the political or geopolitical scenario.”

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis launched video footage on Monday exhibiting armed males dropping from a helicopter and seizing a cargo ship within the southern Purple Sea.

America denounced the ship’s seizure as a breach of worldwide legislation and demanded the instant launch of the vessels and its crew.

“The Houthi seizure of the motor vessel Galaxy Chief within the Purple Sea is a flagrant violation of worldwide legislation,” U.S. State Division spokeman Matthew Miller advised a briefing. “We demand the instant launch of the ship and its crew and we are going to seek the advice of with our allies and U.N. companions as to acceptable subsequent steps.”

The Bahamas-flagged Galaxy Chief’s crew is made up of nationals from Bulgaria, Ukraine, the Philippines, Mexico and Romania, Galaxy Maritime stated. The vessel is chartered by Japan’s Nippon Yusen.

“Homeowners and managers consider the seizure of this vessel represents a gross violation of freedom of passage for the world fleet and a critical risk to worldwide commerce,” Galaxy Maritime stated.

It added that the “key concern right now is the security and safety of the 25 crew members at present being held by the perpetrators of this felony act”.

Our Requirements: The Thomson Reuters Belief Ideas.