On Saturday, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry announced that nine Egyptian fishermen had been released by Saudi authorities in the Tabuk region after their vessel, the Mohamed Abu al-Azaim, had been detained for mistakenly entering Saudi territorial waters on 16 October. Diplomatic talks between the two countries led to the crew’s release and the vessel’s departure with essential supplies.
The boat, which had been held in Saudi waters, was re‑equipped with fuel, food and other provisions necessary for a safe return to Egypt. Egyptian officials said the fishermen are now heading back to their homeland with the vessel, following the detention that began on 16 October.
In a statement, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry urged fishermen and fishing operators to observe maritime navigation rules and avoid entering neighboring countries’ territorial waters without the required permits. This reminder came after the incident involving the Mohamed Abu al‑Azaim and is intended to prevent future legal complications and safeguard fishermen’s safety.
