Egypt’s Foreign Ministry announced on Monday that it is closely monitoring the hijacking of the oil tanker M/T Eureka, which was carrying eight Egyptian sailors.
According to official reports, the vessel was seized in Yemeni territorial waters before being redirected toward Somali waters near the Puntland region.
In a statement issued by the ministry, Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty instructed Egypt’s embassy in Mogadishu to closely follow the condition of the Egyptian crew members and provide all necessary assistance. Egyptian authorities are also reportedly coordinating at the highest diplomatic and security levels with Somali officials to ensure the safety of the sailors and facilitate their release as quickly as possible.
The ministry did not disclose details regarding the identity of the group responsible for the hijacking or the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. However, the event underscores the persistent security threats facing maritime navigation in the Horn of Africa and surrounding waters.
The region has long been vulnerable to piracy, armed militias, and organized criminal networks that target commercial vessels traveling through key international shipping routes. Despite international naval patrols and enhanced maritime security measures in recent years, attacks on cargo ships and oil tankers continue to pose significant risks to global trade and regional stability.
The hijacking of the M/T Eureka also highlights broader concerns about maritime security in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and nearby coastal areas, where geopolitical tensions and weak coastal enforcement have contributed to recurring incidents involving commercial shipping.
Egypt’s response reflects the country’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad and maintaining close diplomatic engagement with regional partners during security crises. Authorities are expected to continue monitoring developments closely as efforts to secure the crew’s safe return remain ongoing.
