The sailors were among the 12‑member crew of the oil tanker M/T Eureka, seized by armed Somali groups off Yemen’s coast in May. El‑Shazly explained that negotiations involve three vessels with 44 crew members in total, complicated by ransom demands, insurance disputes, and compensation issues. The safety of the sailors remains hostage to reaching an agreement,” he said, adding that discussions are being conducted in secrecy to avoid jeopardizing outcomes. He confirmed that contact with the Egyptian sailors has been severed since the latest round of confidential talks began. The M/T Eureka was attacked in May while sailing near Yemen, leading to the detention of its 12 crew members eight Egyptians and four Indians.