8 Egyptian sailors kidnapped aboard oil tanker off Somalia released
Eight Egyptian sailors have been released after being held hostage on an oil tanker hijacked off the coast of Somalia in May. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry coordinated their return following the vessel's seizure near the Puntland region.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the resurgence of piracy in Somali waters, which had been largely dormant for a decade but has re-emerged due to regional security instability.
Amer Solyman and Ikram Kouachi Thursday October 1, 2026
Egypt announced Wednesday the release of eight Egyptian sailors who had been held aboard an oil tanker hijacked off Somalia's Puntland region since May.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said the sailors, who were aboard the M/T Eureka, were freed after the vessel was hijacked off the coast of Puntland on May 2.
Abdelatty also instructed the Egyptian Embassy in Mogadishu to receive the sailors, check on their well-being and arrange their return to Egypt on the earliest available flight.
The sailors remained in contact with their families during their captivity to reassure them about their safety.
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