site.btaForeign Minister Georgiev on Galaxy Leader Crew Return: Our Boys Are Alive and Safe in Bulgaria

The most important thing is that the two Bulgarian crew members of the hijacked Galaxy Leader are alive and safe in Bulgaria, reunited with their loved ones and families and that this moment feels deeply emotional and special, Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev said during a briefing at the government VIP area of Sofia Airport.

"The efforts over the past 430 days, culminating in the past week, reflect the strength of the State and its institutions," Georgiev said. He added that unity and decisive action by these institutions made this major success possible. Georgiev noted that the focus was always on humanity, ensuring the safe return of the sailors to Bulgaria.

The two Bulgarian sailors detained in Yemen, crew members of the vessel Galaxy Leader, have returned home. The government Airbus, carrying Lyubomir Chanev and Danail Veselinov—the captain and first mate of the ship—landed earlier on Thursday at Sofia Airport. On orders from Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, the plane was dispatched to Muscat, Oman, to bring the two men back to Bulgaria.

"The release of the sailors from the Galaxy Leader is the result of extraordinary efforts over the past year by all institutions," MEP Elena Yoncheva told journalists at Sofia Airport. She added that this case demonstrates the State's ability to mobilize and take all necessary steps to assist Bulgarian citizens in distress anywhere in the world.

The Galaxy Leader was hijacked by the Houthis off the coast of Yemen in November 2023. The British-owned, Japanese-operated, and Bahamas-flagged ship had an international crew of 25, including two Bulgarian citizens. Efforts followed to have the crew members released. On September 19, 2024, Bulgaria MEP Yoncheva visited Yemen for a meeting with the Bulgarian hostages.

On November 4, she said on Facebook that there was a strong chance for the two sailors to go home, but an obstacle emerged at the last moment. Yoncheva noted that she was still working for their release as a humanitarian mission of hers, part of her responsibilities as a member of the European Parliament, a journalist and a Bulgarian citizen who can help fellow Bulgarians in distress.