Azerbaijanchr("39")s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working on the release of 18 citizens detained in Eritrea after the arrest of three vessels under the Azerbaijani flag, the spokesperson of Azerbaijanchr("39")s Foreign Ministry, Aykhan Hajizada, said in a statement, Olaylar informs.
He said that the ministry took control of the situation immediately after receiving initial information about the incident on November 7, 2024.
Diplomats immediately began taking necessary measures. Hajizada recalled that three vessels - "CMS Pəhləvan", "CMS İgid" and "CMS-3" - sailing under the Azerbaijani flag and operated by the Azerbaijani branch of Caspian Marine Services B.V., were forced to enter Eritrean territorial waters due to deteriorating weather conditions while en route from the Suez Canal to Abu Dhabi.
"The Azerbaijani vessels attempted to contact Eritrean port authorities in advance but were unsuccessful. The vessels entered Eritrean territorial waters to a depth of 12 miles, and the countrychr("39")s authorized agencies considered the entry unauthorized, on which basis they detained the vessels," he said.
The ministry representative emphasized that among those detained are 18 Azerbaijani citizens.
"The Foreign Ministry continues to take necessary measures for the prompt resolution of the issue, including the release of the vessels and crew members, as well as providing necessary consular legal assistance," said Hajizada.
