MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – The Somali government says it is increasing efforts to help free eight Egyptian sailors who were kidnapped on the oil tanker M/T Eureka, according to Somalia’s Ambassador to Egypt, Ali Abdi Aware.
“Somalia is deeply concerned about this situation and remains in constant contact with all relevant parties to secure a solution that will lead to the sailors’ release,” Ambassador Ali Abdi Aware said.
The statement came after the ambassador held talks with Egypt’s Assistant Foreign Minister for African Affairs, Karim Sherif, during which the two sides discussed the condition of the detained sailors and cooperation on maritime security.
The ambassador added that diplomatic efforts and cooperation at various levels are ongoing to ensure the safety of the ship’s crew and facilitate their swift return to Egypt.
The M/T Eureka, sailing under the Togolese flag, was carrying nearly 2,800 tons of diesel fuel when it was attacked by armed pirates on May 2 while passing off the coast of Yemen’s Shabwa region, before being taken toward Somali waters.
The vessel had departed from the port of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates and was headed to a port in Yemen.
The crew included Yemeni sailors and eight Egyptian nationals.
The pirates who hijacked the vessel are reportedly demanding a ransom of $10 million. They are also said to have worsened conditions for the crew by limiting their access to food and water.
The incident has sparked widespread concern in Egypt, where the families of the detained sailors have appealed to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and the Egyptian government for urgent assistance.