Families of Egyptian Sailors Clarify: "They Are in a Safe Place"

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After about 151 days of waiting, anxiety, and appeals, joy has returned to the homes of the families of 8 Egyptian sailors, following the announcement of their release after being held on a ship off the coast of Puntland in Somalia since May 2.

While the families lived in fear and anticipation regarding the fate of their loved ones during that period, the news of the sailors' release brought a new glimmer of hope, along with Egyptian efforts to secure their return to their homeland.

Adel Imam, the uncle of Samah El-Dessouki, one of the Egyptian sailors who were held on the ship, stated in a comment to "Al Arabiya.net/Al Hadath.net" that the family is currently experiencing a state of joy and happiness after the announcement of the sailors' release, noting that the Egyptian leadership made significant efforts to end their detention and bring them back to their homeland.

He also confirmed that the Egyptian efforts during the sailors' detention were greatly appreciated by their families, who lived in a state of anxiety and fear for more than 5 months, waiting for any news to reassure them about their conditions, expressing gratitude to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

He also added that Samah's mother contacted him, and he confirmed to her that he is now in a safe place after being released, and that he is preparing to return to Egypt, explaining that the information received by the family indicates the possibility of his return to the homeland tomorrow, after completing the necessary procedures. He clarified that the news of the sailors' release was a turning point for their families, stating that joy has returned to their homes again after 151 days of sadness, anxiety, and fear, which is the period the families lived in while waiting for their children to return safely.

Meanwhile, Amr Akram, the brother of the Egyptian naval officer Moamen Akram, one of the crew members who were also held on the ship, confirmed to "Al Arabiya.net/Al Hadath.net" that the family is experiencing a great deal of joy and happiness after the announcement of his release, considering that "everyone is eagerly awaiting his return to the homeland."

He added that the family has begun preparations to welcome Moamen as soon as he returns, noting that the moment of his arrival will be different for them, especially after the long period they lived in a state of anxiety and anticipation.

It is noteworthy that after more than five months of their abduction off the Somali coast, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday the release of 8 Egyptian sailors who had been held on a ship off the coast of Puntland in Somalia since May 2.

Meanwhile, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aati directed the Egyptian embassy in Mogadishu to receive the sailors after their release, ensure their well-being, and work to facilitate their return to Egypt on the next available flight.

The oil tanker "MT Eureka" was hijacked in early May by armed Somali groups while sailing off the Yemeni coast, and since May 2, 12 sailors have been held on board, including 8 Egyptians and 4 Indians. For 151 days, the families of the sailors have been waiting for news of their loved ones, amid uncertainty surrounding their detention conditions and fate, while negotiations for their release have repeatedly stalled due to disagreements over the ransom amount required.