Jeddah:Cairo The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates is actively engaged in addressing the detention of the Egyptian fishing boat Mohamed Abu El-Azaim in the Red Sea. The vessel was apprehended after inadvertently entering Saudi Arabian territorial waters near the Tabuk region on October 16.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the Consulate General of Egypt in Jeddah has been in intensive talks with senior Saudi officials, including the Coast Guard and port authorities, to facilitate the return of the boat and its crew to Egypt. Additionally, a representative from the consulate visited the nine Egyptian sailors aboard the vessel to assess their conditions and ensure they are receiving necessary care.

Efforts are ongoing to secure the prompt return of the boat and crew. Meanwhile, the ministry has called on Egyptian fishermen and fishing vessel operators to adhere strictly to maritime navigation and fishing regulations. It warned against entering the territorial waters of neighboring countries without the required permits to avoid legal repercussions and to ensure the safety and interests of all involved.