Arturo Zacarías Meza, a 32-year-old merchant marine, made a triumphant return to his hometown of Misantla, Veracruz, Mexico, on January 24, 2025, after being released by Houthi rebels in Yemen. Zacarías and his fellow crew members had endured a harrowing captivity of over a year following their hijacking while aboard the cargo ship Galaxy Leader. Locals welcomed him with enthusiasm, escorting him on bicycles and in cars as a Norteño band played his favorite song, while neighbors prepared carnitas, a dish he had greatly missed during his time away.
Upon his arrival home, Zacarías expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating, "A mother’s prayer will never fail." Since November 2023, the town's residents had been lighting candles for his safe return, reflecting the deep concern and hope shared by his family and community during his captivity. On November 19, 2023, Zacarías and his crew were resting in their quarters when they were attacked by Houthi rebels who descended from a helicopter while the Galaxy Leader was transiting the Red Sea. The captain of the ship issued an immediate order for surrender, a pivotal decision that Zacarías credited for keeping them alive, stating that any resistance could have led to fatal consequences.
The Houthi rebels claimed that their intentions were not of piracy or monetary gain, but rather to express their opposition to the war in Gaza. They informed the crew, in broken English, that the hijacking was motivated by the Galaxy Leader's affiliation with Israel. This move marked the beginning of a broader campaign by the Houthis targeting vessels in the Red Sea and surrounding waters, linking to geopolitical tensions in the region. The Galaxy Leader, a Bahamas-flagged vessel, is known to be connected with Israeli billionaire Abraham "Rami" Ungar, one of Israel's wealthiest individuals.
During their captivity, which lasted until the final three months spent in a safe house, the crew faced the harsh reality of isolation, with Zacarías adopting a routine of sleeping up to 12 hours a day. Over time, they gained the trust of their captors, allowing them brief weekly phone calls home. Zacarías noted they were treated without physical abuse, which provided some respite during the tense ordeal. Their eventual release was facilitated by Oman, a nation that has historically acted as a mediator with the Houthi leadership.
After his release, Zacarías shared that the Houthi leaders had hailed the crew as heroes of the Palestinian cause, suggesting their release played a part in the ongoing ceasefire discussions with Israel. Wearing a T-shirt adorned with the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico, Zacarías conveyed his appreciation for his safe return and expressed hope for peace in the future.
This account unveils not only the personal struggles of Zacarías and his crew but also emphasizes the broader implications of their captivity amid ongoing regional conflicts. The sentiments of gratitude and relief reverberated throughout Misantla as the community came together to celebrate their local hero's return. Zacarías's story is a testament to resilience, familial bonds, and the enduring spirit of those who suffer during troubled times.
