Egypt has stepped up diplomatic efforts to secure the release of the crew of the tanker Eureka, which has reportedly been held by pirates off the coast of Somalia since early May. The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is working closely with regional authorities and relevant stakeholders to help ensure the safe return of the seafarers while providing support to their families.

The renewed efforts come after reports indicated that negotiations with the hijackers had stalled, with ransom demands reportedly increasing. Egyptian authorities have not disclosed details of the ongoing discussions but emphasized that they remain committed to pursuing diplomatic channels to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.

According to available information, the Eureka, a tanker owned by Yemeni interests and sailing under the Togolese flag, was reportedly seized while operating near Yemen before being taken toward the Puntland region of Somalia. The vessel carries a crew of 22, including eight Egyptian nationals. Officials said communication has been maintained with the crew to monitor their welfare and allow them to stay in contact with their families.

Egypt's Foreign Ministry said its embassy in Mogadishu continues to coordinate with Somali authorities, while its embassy in Riyadh is also engaging with Yemeni officials and the shipowner to support efforts aimed at securing the crew's release. Authorities added that the situation is being monitored daily as diplomatic initiatives continue.

The incident is one of several piracy-related cases reported in the waters off Somalia and the Gulf of Aden in recent months, highlighting ongoing security challenges along one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes. International maritime organizations and naval forces continue to monitor developments as regional governments work toward the safe resolution of the incident.