Egypt closely monitors hijacked oil tanker M/T Eureka as crew held in Somali waters
Mogadishu, Somalia – May 13, 2026
The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is operating at the highest levels of diplomatic coordination following the hijacking of the oil tanker M/T Eureka in the Gulf of Aden.
The vessel, which was intercepted on May 2 in Yemeni territorial waters off the coast of the Shabwa Governorate, is currently being held in Somali territorial waters near the semi-autonomous Puntland region.
The crisis has drawn international condemnation and placed a spotlight on the renewed threat of maritime piracy in the strategic corridors connecting the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean.
Details of the Seizure and Crew Status
The M/T Eureka, a Togolese-flagged tanker owned by a UAE-based company, was reportedly seized by armed groups who successfully boarded the vessel before forcing it to change course toward Africa.
According to Ambassador Haddad El-Gohary, Assistant Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs, the crew consists of 12 sailors,including eight Egyptian nationals and four Indian nationals.
Initial reports from Egyptian diplomatic missions indicate that the sailors are in good health.
The vessel is currently anchored approximately 50 kilometers northeast of the Somali capital, Mogadishu, after previously being spotted near the port of Bosaso and the coastal town of Bayla.
Egyptian authorities have clarified that the hijacking appears to be a targeted act of piracy against the vessel itself rather than an attack directed specifically at the nationality of the crew.
Diplomatic Response and Coordination
Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has officially instructed the Egyptian Embassy in Mogadishu to maintain constant communication with Somali federal authorities and the regional leadership in Puntland.
The objective remains the “swift and unconditional” release of the sailors and the vessel.
Key diplomatic developments include:
Somali Cooperation:
The Somali government has pledged full support to Egyptian negotiators, emphasizing their commitment to maritime security despite the complex internal security challenges in the region.
Arab League Intervention:
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Abu el-Gheit issued a stern condemnation on Tuesday, labeling the hijacking a “flagrant violation” of international law and a direct threat to Arab national security.
UAE Solidarity:
As the vessel is owned by a UAE firm, the Emirati Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed full solidarity with Egypt, calling for intensified international efforts to combat organized crime in vital maritime corridors.
Maritime Security Context
The hijacking of the M/T Eureka marks a significant escalation in maritime instability. Security analysts note that the diversion of a ship from Yemeni waters to Somalia highlights a “security vacuum” in the region, where various armed factions and pirate groups are exploiting the geopolitical tensions surrounding the Red Sea.
The Gulf of Aden remains one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes, and this incident has prompted calls for a reassessment of the international naval presence in the area.
A Call for Global Accountability
The Egyptian government has reiterated that the safety of its citizens abroad is a top priority. While negotiations continue, Cairo has remained “rational and grounded” in its approach, focusing on diplomatic pressure and regional partnerships rather than escalatory rhetoric.
The crisis underscores the necessity of the “New Global Constitution” principles regarding maritime governance and the protection of international trade routes.
As the situation develops, Castle Journal will continue to provide exclusive details on the welfare of the Egyptian sailors and the progress of the release efforts.
The “brain of the world leadership governance” remains vigilant in documenting this challenge to international law.
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