The Somali Federal Government has announced that it is intensifying its diplomatic efforts to secure the release of six Egyptian crew members who were abducted from the oil ship M/T Eureka. This information was disclosed by the Somali ambassador to Egypt, Ali Abdi Awaare. The statement was made after the ambassador met with Mohamed Karim Sherif, the Egyptian Assistant Foreign Minister for African Affairs, to discuss the situation of the Egyptian sailors being held hostage and to address bilateral cooperation in the area of sea security. The Somali ambassador stated, “Somalia is deeply concerned about this situation and is in constant communication with all parties involved in order to secure the release of the crew members.” The ambassador also mentioned that cooperation and diplomatic efforts are being made at various levels to ensure the safety and well-being of the crew members and to facilitate their immediate return to Egypt. The M/T Eureka, which is a flagship of Togo, was carrying approximately 2,800 tons of fuel when it was attacked by armed men on May 2 while traveling along the coast of Shabwa in Yemen. The ship was then taken to the coast of Somalia. The vessel had departed from the port of Fujairah in the UAE and was headed to a port in Yemen. Among the crew members on board were eight Egyptians and Yemeni nationals. The pirates responsible for the abduction have demanded a ransom of approximately 10 million US dollars and have subjected the crew members to harsh conditions, including reducing their food and water supply. The abduction has become a daily concern in Egypt, with the families of the crew members calling on the Egyptian President and government to facilitate their release.
