The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, that eight Egyptian sailors held captive by Somali pirates for nearly five months have been released. The sailors were detained on board the M/T Eureka, a Togolese-flagged vessel, after it was hijacked on 2 May in Yemeni waters off the coast of Shabwa province. The vessel was then transferred to Somali waters.
The Egyptian government had been actively working for the release of the sailors, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs closely following the situation through its embassy in Mogadishu. The Egyptian ambassador to Mogadishu was tasked with welcoming the sailors, ensuring their well-being, and facilitating their return to Egypt on the first available flight. This development comes as a result of directives from President Abdel Fattah Al-Sissi to pursue all necessary negotiations.
The sailors' detention began when pirates took control of the M/T Eureka in Yemeni territorial waters on 2 May. The vessel had a crew of 12, including eight Egyptians and four Indians. During their captivity, the families of the sailors reported limited contact with their loved ones and demands for ransom. The Egyptian authorities maintained communication with the families throughout the ordeal.
The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Minister Badr Abdelatty, engaged in high-level contacts with Somali and Yemeni officials to ensure the sailors' safety and secure their release. The Egyptian embassy in Riyadh, which handles diplomatic relations with the Yemeni government, was also involved in the efforts. In early September, Abdelatty requested that his Somali counterpart intensify efforts to obtain the sailors' release.
The release of the sailors is a result of sustained diplomatic efforts by the Egyptian government. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had intensified its contacts with Somali and Yemeni authorities, as well as the vessel's owner, in June. The Egyptian embassy in Mogadishu maintained parallel contacts with concerned authorities to secure the sailors' freedom.
The Egyptian consular section had also been in touch with the families of the sailors, providing them with updates on the government's efforts to secure their release. The embassy in Mogadishu facilitated communication between the sailors and their families, allowing them to inquire about their loved ones' situation during their detention.
The Egyptian government welcomes the release of its citizens and will facilitate their return home. The incident highlights the risks faced by sailors in pirate-infested waters and the importance of diplomatic efforts in securing their release. The Egyptian government continues to prioritize the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad.
Key points
- Egyptian diplomacy played a crucial role in securing the release of the eight sailors.
- The sailors were detained for nearly five months by Somali pirates.
- The Egyptian government maintained communication with the families of the sailors throughout their ordeal.
