MEP Elena Yoncheva is in Yemen in an effort to reach the Bulgarians from the hijacked ship Galaxy Leader

''This is a humanitarian mission supported logistically by the UN, to meet with Lyubomir and Danail and to learn more about the situation. Their families have not seen them for ten months and are extremely worried. Until now, no European politician has managed to meet with them or the crew, which includes three EU citizens. Meeting with the Bulgarian sailors will give hope to their loved ones that they are not abandoned and that the process of their release is close", said Elena Yoncheva.

Before becoming an MEP, Elena Yoncheva was a journalist known for her reports from some of the world's hottest spots, including conflicts in Kosovo, Algeria, Chechnya, Israel, Afghanistan, Iraq, Venezuela, Colombia, etc.