Egypt has stepped up diplomatic efforts to secure the release of Egyptian sailors being held aboard the hijacked transport vessel MT Eureka off the coast of Somalia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is working closely with authorities in Somalia and Yemen to speed up the release process and ensure the crew’s safety.
Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has ordered daily monitoring of the situation and instructed Egyptian diplomatic missions to maintain close communication with all parties involved. Officials say protecting the welfare of the sailors remains the government’s top priority.
The Egyptian Embassy in Mogadishu has been directed to remain in continuous contact with Somali authorities responsible for handling the case. According to the Foreign Ministry, the embassy is working with officials to help secure the release of the crew as quickly as possible.
Diplomatic efforts are also focused on improving living conditions for the sailors while they remain aboard the vessel. Egyptian officials said they are seeking assurances that the crew receives appropriate care until the situation is resolved.
The embassy has also established communication between the sailors and their families. Officials said maintaining regular contact helps reassure relatives about the condition and safety of those being held on the ship.
At the same time, the Egyptian Embassy in Riyadh, which is accredited to the Yemeni government, has been instructed to coordinate with Yemeni authorities and the owner of the MT Eureka. These discussions are intended to support ongoing efforts to achieve the crew’s safe release.
The Foreign Ministry said cooperation with both Somali and Yemeni officials is an important part of the diplomatic response. Authorities are working through official channels to address the incident and explore all available options.
Minister Abdelatty has also directed the ministry’s consular sector to provide regular updates to the families of the detained sailors. Officials are holding frequent meetings with relatives to explain the government’s actions and share the latest developments.
The ministry said supporting the families during the crisis remains an important part of its response. Officials continue to provide information as diplomatic contacts progress.
No timeline has been announced for the release of the sailors, and authorities have not disclosed further operational details because of the ongoing nature of the case.
Hijackings in waters near the Horn of Africa have declined significantly over the past decade compared with earlier years, following increased international naval patrols and improved maritime security measures. However, isolated incidents continue to present risks for commercial vessels operating in the region.
Governments often work closely with shipping companies, regional authorities, and international partners when responding to maritime security incidents involving their citizens. Diplomatic engagement is commonly used alongside other measures to support negotiations and protect the welfare of affected crews.
Egypt has not announced the number of sailors aboard the MT Eureka or provided additional information about the circumstances surrounding the hijacking. Officials have said only that they remain committed to securing the safe return of all Egyptian crew members.
The Foreign Ministry continues to monitor the case on a daily basis as diplomatic contacts remain active. Officials say they will maintain communication with Somali and Yemeni authorities until the incident is resolved.
The MT Eureka Sailors case remains a priority for the Egyptian government as it works through diplomatic channels to secure the crew’s release. Authorities say protecting the sailors, supporting their families, and coordinating with regional partners will remain central to Egypt’s response in the coming days.
