Muscat, Oman – The Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have released the crew of the Galaxy Leader vessel, marking the end of a more than year-long captivity.
The 25 crew members, including Bulgarian, Ukrainian, Filipino, Mexican, and Romanian nationals, were handed over to Oman as part of mediation efforts tied to the recently signed ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
According to Houthi-run Al Masirah TV, the release was facilitated through coordination with Hamas and diplomatic mediation by the Sultanate of Oman.
Among those freed were Bulgarian nationals Captain Lyubomir Chanev and Chief Mate Danail Veselinov.
The Bulgarian government confirmed their release, stating that both men were in good health and en route to Muscat, where they will be met by officials before returning home.
Diplomatic Efforts Lead to Release
Bulgarian MEP Elena Yoncheva, who had been actively involved in negotiations, announced that she was already in Muscat to oversee the final arrangements for the sailors’ return.
She stated that a delegation led by Bulgarian Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev would arrive in Oman later tonight to issue a joint statement on the matter.
Chanev and Veselinov, along with 23 other crew members, had been held aboard the Husus ship since their capture in November 2023.
The Galaxy Leader, a Bahamas-flagged car carrier linked to Israeli businessman Abraham Ungar, was hijacked in the Red Sea by Houthi forces.
The attack was part of a broader escalation in the region, with the Houthis targeting vessels they claim are linked to Israel in retaliation for the war in Gaza.
Hostage Status and Ceasefire Agreement
Arabist Prof. Vladimir Chukov told Nova TV that the detained sailors were considered hostages by the Houthis, much like those held by Hamas.
He noted that the rebels had previously set conditions for the crew’s release, directly linking it to an end to the conflict in Gaza. With the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement now in effect, the conditions were met, allowing the crew to be freed.
“Their fate was tied to the broader regional conflict,” Chukov explained. “With a temporary truce now in place, the Houthis likely saw an opportunity to release them as a goodwill gesture.”
Yoncheva disclosed that she had been in contact with key negotiators and had received informal assurances earlier this month that the release was imminent.
While the crew’s situation was not explicitly mentioned in the ceasefire terms, Yemeni officials had hinted at positive developments.
A Step Toward De-escalation?
Bulgarian authorities expressed gratitude for Oman’s mediation efforts and the role played by international negotiators.
The Bulgarian Foreign Ministry stated that it remains hopeful the Israel-Hamas ceasefire could help stabilize the region and lead to further de-escalation.
Meanwhile, Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi reportedly ordered the release of the crew.
His directive aligns with wider efforts to ease regional tensions, following months of attacks on shipping lanes in the Red Sea.
The Galaxy Leader‘s crew has now been safely transferred to Omani authorities. A special flight operated by Oman Air is expected to transport them to Muscat within hours, before their eventual return home.