Egypt Steps Up Efforts to Free 12 Sailors Held in Somalia
Egypt says it is intensifying diplomatic efforts with Somalia and Yemen to secure the release of 12 sailors, including eight Egyptians, held for months after their tanker was reportedly attacked by Somali pirates.
CAIRO (Somali Report) — Egypt is continuing diplomatic efforts to secure the release of 12 sailors held in Somalia for months aboard the fuel tanker M/T EUREKA, Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said.
Abdelatty said Cairo's efforts were being carried out on the orders of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to protect the interests and safety of Egyptian citizens abroad.
The minister said the tanker is carrying 12 crew members, including eight Egyptians, and that he has been closely following the case and negotiations aimed at securing their release.
"I am in daily contact with the parties involved in this matter," Abdelatty said, adding that his latest discussion with his Somali counterpart took place several days ago.
According to the Egyptian minister, Somali authorities are using their contacts with local tribal leaders in the area where the sailors are being held to communicate with the kidnappers daily and work toward securing the crew's release.
Abdelatty also said he was in contact with Yemeni officials because the vessel's owner is a Yemeni national. Yemen is also working to facilitate the release of the crew, he said.
Egypt had previously instructed its embassy in Mogadishu to closely monitor the situation involving the eight Egyptian sailors and provide them with support and assistance. The embassy is also working with Somali authorities to help ensure the sailors' safety and secure their release.
The M/T EUREKA was reportedly attacked by armed Somali pirates in early May while sailing in waters near Yemen's coast. The crew has remained in captivity since then as negotiations to secure their release continue.
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The case comes amid persistent maritime security concerns in waters around Somalia and Yemen, where piracy, armed attacks and wider regional tensions have threatened commercial shipping.
Egypt, whose economy is closely linked to maritime trade through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea, has a strong interest in maritime security in the region. Cairo has repeatedly stressed the importance of protecting shipping routes and ensuring the safety of seafarers.
Abdelatty pledged that Egypt would intensify its diplomatic efforts to secure the sailors' safe release and facilitate their return home.
The minister did not provide details on the identity of the group holding the crew, the location where they are being detained, or whether any ransom demands have been made.
The Egyptian government has also not disclosed details of the negotiations, citing the ongoing efforts to secure the sailors' release.
The fate of the 12 crew members has drawn continued attention in Egypt, particularly because eight of those being held are Egyptian nationals. Cairo has maintained that protecting Egyptian citizens abroad remains a priority and that it will continue coordinating with Somali and Yemeni authorities until the case is resolved.
Somali authorities have not publicly announced a breakthrough in the negotiations, but their reported engagement with local leaders highlights the role of community and tribal networks in efforts to resolve maritime hostage cases along Somalia's coast.
Egypt said it would continue working through diplomatic channels and with the relevant authorities in Somalia and Yemen to seek a peaceful resolution and ensure the sailors are safely returned to their families.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.