Egypt's foreign ministry has announced that eight Egyptian sailors, held captive aboard the M/T Eureka off Somalia's Puntland region since 2 May, have been released. The release was secured through high-level diplomatic contacts, following directives from President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi to exert all efforts to free the kidnapped sailors.
Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty played a crucial role in securing the release, maintaining round-the-clock contacts with Somali and Yemeni officials. The foreign ministry statement revealed that Abdelatty had instructed Egypt's embassy in Mogadishu to receive the sailors, check on their well-being, and arrange their return to Egypt on the earliest available flight.
During their captivity, the ministry's consular sector met with the sailors' families to brief them on efforts to secure their release. The embassy in Mogadishu also facilitated contact between the sailors and their relatives. Egypt had been monitoring the hijacking since May, when the Togo-flagged tanker was seized and taken towards Puntland.
In July, Abdelatty urged Somali authorities to expedite the sailors' release and ensure their safety. In August, he said Somali authorities were maintaining daily contact with kidnappers, drawing on ties with local tribes. The foreign ministry reaffirmed its ongoing diplomatic efforts on 3 September, including contacts with Somali and Yemeni authorities and the vessel's owner.
The announcement of the sailors' release follows Egypt's recent success in securing the return of a doctor held in the Maldives, whose return home was secured through diplomatic and consular efforts. This demonstrates Egypt's commitment to protecting its citizens abroad and its ability to negotiate their release through diplomatic channels.
The release of the eight Egyptian sailors is a significant achievement for Egypt's diplomatic efforts in the region. The incident highlights the risks faced by sailors and ships navigating the region and the importance of international cooperation to prevent such incidents in the future.
The Egyptian government will continue to work to ensure the safe return of its citizens and to strengthen its diplomatic relationships with countries in the region. The foreign ministry's efforts to secure the release of the sailors demonstrate its commitment to protecting Egyptian interests abroad.
Key points
- Egypt's foreign ministry secures release of eight Egyptian sailors held captive off Somalia's Puntland region since May.
- Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty plays crucial role in securing release through diplomatic contacts with Somali and Yemeni officials.
- Release follows Egypt's recent success in securing return of doctor held in Maldives through diplomatic efforts.
