A number of the 25 crew members on board a hijacked care carrier in Yemen are suffering from malaria, the Philippines government has revealed.
The president’s office said “several” of the 17 Filipino seafarers on board the 5,100-ceu Galaxy Leader (built 2002) are showing symptoms.
The vessel was seized by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea in November.
Crew members from Bulgaria, Ukraine, Mexico and Romania also remain on board.
ABS-CBN reported that the Department of Foreign Affairs informed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr that some Filipino crew members “were experiencing significant health issues as they show malaria symptoms”.
Malaria is spread by mosquitoes and life-threatening symptoms include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, confusion and seizures.
The president’s office said the country’s honorary consul is seeking help to release the crew members.
“In response, Sana’a authorities affirmed the provision of assistance by informing concerned officials in the Sana’a government and by sending specialised doctors to the vessel to carry out necessary medical procedures,” the office added.
However, the Houthis have reiterated that the fate of the Galaxy Leader seafarers hinges on “external decisions”.
At the end of July, Marcos said none of the 17 Filipinos on board were affected by the Israeli attack on the port of Hodeidah, where the vessel is anchored.
Crew calling home weekly
The car carrier was hijacked by the Houthis on 19 November.
The ITF union believes the ship will be held until Israel ends its attacks on Gaza.
“The majority of the crew are being held on the ship — from where they are permitted weekly calls to family and to move around on deck — with some held onshore and some claimed to be missing and moved out of Yemen,” the International Transport Workers’ Federation said.
The vessel is owned and managed by Ray Car Carriers.
The Isle of Man-based company is ultimately owned by Israeli Rami Ungar. The ship is technically managed by Stamco Ship Management of Greece, according to Equasis.
The ship’s owner and manager have previously expressed concern that the 25 have been “forgotten by the outside world” and renewed its call for their release.
