The Cargo Ship Confiscated By Houthi Rebels In The Red Sea Is Used As A Community Tourism Destination

Galaxy Leader ship. (Source: MarineTraffic/Owen Foley)

JAKARTA - A Bahamas-flagged cargo ship seized by Iran-backed Yemen's Houthi rebel group in the Red Sea last month has become a local tourist attraction.

The Galaxy Leader cargo ship is operated by Japanese company NYK Line, but belongs to Ray Car Carriers, registered on the Britishgale of Man, but is owned by Israeli shipping billionaire Abraham Rami Ungar.

It said 25 crew members, from Bulgaria, Ukraine, the Philippines, Mexico, and Romania, were held hostage by the Houthis.

They are allowed to make "simple contacts" with their families, while various countries are pushing for their release, shipowners said last week.

A resident of Hodeidah told The National the ship is currently anchored in Al Salif, about an hour from the city of Hodeidah.

"There is an ordinary fishing boat that transports people to ships for 500 riyals, which means approximately one dollar. Visits are only for men," said a resident who declined to be named, reported The National News December 13.

A student, Mohammad (23) said he went with a group of friends 10 days after his boat was confiscated. He was surprised to see the long line of people waiting to board the ship.

"We climbed the stairs that were not safe to board the ship. At the dock, people were carrying qat and hoodah," he said.

Mohammed said that since the ship was confiscated, Al Salif, who is usually empty, has suddenly been filled with street vendors and businessmen. It's as if we're celebrating a holiday".

Separately, fisherman Sabre, 38, said 10 Houthis-owned boats were used to transport people to the ship for free.

"Three other boats belonging to fishermen from Al Salif are intended for urgent needs and VIPs, but paid for," he said.

"It takes 10 minutes from port to ship. There are stairs intended for people with disabilities and the elderly, but their use is very limited. Families are allowed to tour around the ship but cannot board the ship."

"More visitors flocked to see the ship coming from the capital, Sanaa, and Hajjah and Ibb," he said.

It is known that the Houthis have stepped up attacks on ships they deem to be linked to Israel, threatening to step up attacks to demonstrate solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.