Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Co-operation and Egyptian Expatriates’ Affairs is closely following the detention of the Egyptian fishing boat Mohamed Abu El-Azaem in the Tabuk area of the Red Sea after it inadvertently entered Saudi territorial waters on October 16.
Egyptian Consulate General in Jeddah had held intensive talks with senior Saudi officials, particularly coastguard and port authorities, to follow up on the case and expedite procedures for the boat and its crew to return to Egypt, the ministry said in a statement on Monday.
The consulate has also sent a representative to visit the nine Egyptian fishermen aboard the vessel, check on their condition and ensure they are receiving the necessary care.
Efforts and contacts with Saudi authorities are continuing to secure the crew’s return home as soon as possible, the ministry said.
The ministry urged all Egyptian fishermen and fishing vessel operators to comply with the laws and regulations governing maritime navigation and fishing, and to refrain from entering the territorial waters of neighbouring countries without the necessary permits.
It stressed that compliance was essential to avoid legal action and safeguard their safety and interests.
