Eight Egyptian sailors have arrived in Mogadishu after being released from captivity aboard the vessel M/T Eureka, where they had been held for months; arrangements are now being made for their return to Cairo.
The sailors arrived at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde Airport on Saturday, where they were welcomed by the Egyptian Ambassador to Somalia. According to the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the sailors were taken to the embassy premises, where accommodation and security were provided while they await their journey back to Egypt.
The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the embassy had maintained constant contact with the sailors, their families, and relevant parties throughout the ordeal.
Efforts to resolve the situation also involved the Egyptian embassy communicating with officials from the Federal Government of Somalia, the Puntland administration, the ship’s owners, and other concerned parties. The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has previously confirmed the release of these eight sailors from the vessel M/T Eureka, which had been held off the coast of Puntland since May 2, 2026.
Meanwhile, Somalia’s ambassador to Cairo, Ali Abdi Aware, stated that he had made contact with the sailors, confirming that they are all in good health and safe.
Egypt and Somalia are also continuing to coordinate efforts to ensure the sailors’ safe return to their home country.
