By Cesar Reyes
Nov 21, 2023, 2:48 PM EST
The Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Mexico reported that carries out diplomatic efforts to find the whereabouts of two Mexicans who were on a cargo ship hijacked in the southern Red Sea by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
On the ship called “Galaxy Leader”, there were 25 people on board, among whom were the two Mexicans who are machine engineers, graduated from the Merchant Nautical School and identified in the media with the names of Arturo Alberto Zacarías Meza and Manuel Rolón Hernándezboth originally from the state of Veracruz.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE), through its Embassy in Saudi Arabia, concurrent with Yemen, remains attentive to the evolution of the hijacking of a cargo ship in international waters of the Red Seawhose crew is made up of twenty-five people and among whom, based on information received, are two of Mexican nationality,” the Foreign Ministry reported.
According to the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the ship belongs to a British company, was operated by a Japanese group and also carried Ukrainians, Bulgarians and Filipinos.
According to reports from international agencies and media, The ship was hijacked in retaliation for the attacks carried out by Israel against the terrorist group Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
“Since this unfortunate event became known, The Mexican Embassy has taken steps through diplomatic channels to corroborate the situation of the crew. and has had communication with representatives of the Embassies of other countries involved to obtain information, and carry out steps that lead to the release of the crew members who are on said vessel,” states the Mexican Foreign Ministry.
A video is spread through social networks showing the moment of the ship’s hijacking by Houthis, who are identified as allies of Iran.