A Suez Governorate port official said Thursday that an Egyptian vessel detained by Saudi Arabian authorities had returned home that same day, carrying all 25 crew members
Wagdy al-Noweishy, director of the Ataka Fishing Port, said crew members were healthy and in good spirits, adding that Egypt’s Foreign Ministry was integral to negotiations for their release.
Saudi authorities detained the crew on 12 February after the vessel entered the Saudi territorial waters. According to officials, the fishermen were released on 20 February.
Egyptian media reported that the boat had broken down and drifted into Saudi waters by accident.
Bakry Aboul Hassan, the Fishermen Syndicate chief, said the government should provide information and maps outlining the areas where Egyptian fishing vessels are allowed to ply their trade along the Red Sea to prevent this from happening again.
Edited translation from MENA
