Egyptian Fishing Vessel Detained in Saudi Arabia: Official Statement Clarifies Circumstances
- 2026-10-26
- 15:59:06
Cairo – The Egyptian Ministry of Interior revealed on Monday the circumstances surrounding the detention of an Egyptian fishing vessel in the city of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
In a statement published on its Facebook page, the Ministry of Interior said: "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is monitoring the situation of an Egyptian fishing vessel in the Red Sea and is intensifying its efforts to ensure the return of its crew to Egypt."
The statement explained that "within the framework of the role undertaken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptians Abroad in protecting the interests of Egyptian citizens abroad, the Ministry is closely following the circumstances of the detention of the Egyptian fishing vessel 'Mohamed Abu El-Azaem' in the Tabuk region of the Red Sea, after it mistakenly entered Saudi territorial waters on October 16, 2026."
The statement added: "In this context, the Consulate General of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Jeddah has been in intensive contact with senior officials in the relevant Saudi authorities, primarily the Coast Guard and Port Authority, to follow up on the situation and expedite the procedures for the vessel and its crew to return to Egypt."
The statement continued: "The consulate dispatched a representative to visit the nine Egyptian sailors aboard the vessel to check on their well-being and ensure they are receiving the necessary care. Efforts and communications are ongoing with our Saudi counterparts to secure their return home as soon as possible."
The statement also urged all Egyptian fishermen and crew members on fishing vessels to "adhere to the rules and regulations governing maritime navigation and fishing, and to refrain from crossing into the territorial waters of neighboring countries without obtaining the necessary permits, in order to avoid legal repercussions and to safeguard their safety and interests."