Azernews.Az

Akbar Novruz

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The release of three Azerbaijani ships detained in Eritrean waters on November 7, 2024, remains pending due to ongoing investigations by the Eritrean authorities, Azernews reports.

According to a statement from "Caspian Marine Services B.V.," the documentation process for releasing the vessels has yet to be completed. "The reason why the ships have not yet been released is related to the Eritrean state. An investigation is currently underway in Eritrea in this regard. This will require some time," the company said.

The company assured that regular contact is being maintained with the crew members aboard the ships. "The condition of each of them is good. The crew members are provided with food, and they are in contact with their family members," the statement added.

The incident occurred on November 7 when the ships “CMS Pahlevan,” “CMS Yigit,” and “CMS-3,” sailing under the Azerbaijani flag and operated by the Azerbaijani branch of "Caspian Marine Services B.V.," made an unauthorized entry into Eritrean territorial waters. The vessels were en route from the Suez Canal to Abu Dhabi, UAE, when severe weather conditions forced them to deviate.

Despite prior contact with Eritrean port authorities, the ships were deemed to have entered the country's 12-mile territorial waters without authorization and were subsequently detained by local authorities.

A total of 24 crew members are on board the detained ships, including 18 Azerbaijani nationals and six foreign citizens.

Efforts are ongoing to resolve the issue and secure the release of the ships and their crew.