An Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) mother was finally reunited with her son, one of the 17 Filipino seafarers held hostage by Houthi rebels for 430 days aboard the Galaxy Leader cargo ship. The emotional reunion took place following the release of all 25 crew members, who had been detained since November 2023 after the ship was hijacked in the Red Sea.
The hostages, which included crew members from various nationalities, were flown from Sana’a, Yemen, to Muscat, Oman, aboard a Royal Air Force of Oman flight, according to local reports. Their release came as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts and a ceasefire agreement in the region.
During their captivity, the seafarers faced dire conditions, including health issues such as malaria, while enduring limited contact with their families. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) provided crucial support, conducting visits to monitor their welfare and facilitating communication with loved ones.
