Seafarers thank Omani officials for their mediation in helping secure their release from Yemen. Oman News Agency
Lubomir Chanev, captain of the ship Galaxy Leader, hugs his daughter at Sofia Airport, Bulgaria, after being released by the Houthi rebels in Yemen following more than a year in captivity. Reuters
Danail Veselinov, assistant captain of Bahamas-flagged vessel, said phone calls permitted to family to tell them they were safe helped boost morale among the crew of 25 sailors taken captive by the Houthis. Reuters
The 25-member crew hailed from the Philippines, Bulgaria, Mexico, Ukraine and Romania. Reuters
Relatives are overjoyed to meet Bulgarian sailors released after more than 400 days in captivity. Reuters
The sailors were kept on board the ship until the last three months, when they were moved to a safe house. EPA
Mr Veselinov and Mr Chanev hug loved ones at Sofia airport. Photo: Office of Elena Yoncheva
Mr Chanev with his children and Elena Yoncheva, Member of the European Parliament, in Sofia. Photo: Office of Elena Yoncheva
The days on board the vessel felt endless, the sailors told journalists. Photo: Office of Elena Yoncheva
Family members rush to greet the sailors. Photo: Office of Elena Yoncheva
International organisations have condemned seafarers being kidnapped and criticised attacks on global shipping regardless of the cause. Photo: Office of Elena Yoncheva
The sailors' release was brokered by Oman, which has long been an interlocutor with the Houthis. Oman News Agency
Ms Yoncheva travelled to Sanaa and Hodeidah in September last year and managed to secure a meeting with the Bulgarian sailors. Photo: Elena Yoncheva / Facebook
Crew rejoice as they travel on a bus after being released by the Houthis. Reuters
Seafarers thank Omani officials for their mediation in helping secure their release from Yemen. Oman News Agency
Lubomir Chanev, captain of the ship Galaxy Leader, hugs his daughter at Sofia Airport, Bulgaria, after being released by the Houthi rebels in Yemen following more than a year in captivity. Reuters
Danail Veselinov, assistant captain of Bahamas-flagged vessel, said phone calls permitted to family to tell them they were safe helped boost morale among the crew of 25 sailors taken captive by the Houthis. Reuters
The 25-member crew hailed from the Philippines, Bulgaria, Mexico, Ukraine and Romania. Reuters
Relatives are overjoyed to meet Bulgarian sailors released after more than 400 days in captivity. Reuters
The sailors were kept on board the ship until the last three months, when they were moved to a safe house. EPA
Mr Veselinov and Mr Chanev hug loved ones at Sofia airport. Photo: Office of Elena Yoncheva
Mr Chanev with his children and Elena Yoncheva, Member of the European Parliament, in Sofia. Photo: Office of Elena Yoncheva
The days on board the vessel felt endless, the sailors told journalists. Photo: Office of Elena Yoncheva
Family members rush to greet the sailors. Photo: Office of Elena Yoncheva
International organisations have condemned seafarers being kidnapped and criticised attacks on global shipping regardless of the cause. Photo: Office of Elena Yoncheva
The sailors' release was brokered by Oman, which has long been an interlocutor with the Houthis. Oman News Agency
Ms Yoncheva travelled to Sanaa and Hodeidah in September last year and managed to secure a meeting with the Bulgarian sailors. Photo: Elena Yoncheva / Facebook
Crew rejoice as they travel on a bus after being released by the Houthis. Reuters
Seafarers thank Omani officials for their mediation in helping secure their release from Yemen. Oman News Agency