Cairo, Egypt – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs announced that it is closely monitoring the hijacking of the oil tanker M/T Eureka from Yemeni territorial waters and its subsequent diversion to Somali territorial waters near the Puntland region. A number of Egyptian sailors were on board.
The Ministry confirmed that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs,
Dr. Badr Abdel-Aty, instructed the Egyptian Embassy in Mogadishu to follow up on the situation of the Egyptian sailors on board the vessel.
He also directed that all necessary support be provided to them and that coordination be maintained with relevant authorities to ensure their safety.
Urgent diplomatic action
The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that the embassy in the Somali capital had initiated intensive contacts with the relevant Somali authorities to follow developments in the incident.
It also worked to expedite the release of the eight Egyptian sailors aboard the hijacked tanker.
The Ministry emphasized its continued communication with all relevant parties to closely monitor the situation.
This is in line with the state’s commitment to the safety and security of Egyptian citizens abroad.
Monitoring the situation of Egyptian sailors
The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that it is continuously monitoring the health and living conditions of the Egyptian sailors.
It is also providing all necessary consular and humanitarian support to them and their families.
The Ministry further indicated that the Egyptian Embassy is coordinating with relevant international
and regional bodies to ensure a swift response to the incident and to mitigate its repercussions.
Efforts to ensure swift release
The Egyptian move comes amid escalating security concerns related to piracy and kidnapping
incidents in some maritime areas near the Horn of Africa, particularly off the Somali coast.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry affirmed its continued diplomatic efforts, in cooperation with Somali authorities,
to ensure the safety and security of the Egyptian sailors and to secure their release as soon as possible.
