Six Sri Lankan naval personnel detained in Eritrea for nearly a year have been released and returned to the country following diplomatic intervention by Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Vijitha Herath.
The sailors were among the crew of a European vessel operated by Seagull Maritime and captained by an Azerbaijani national, which had entered Eritrean territorial waters. Eritrean authorities detained the Sri Lankans on 7 November 2024.
Their release was secured after multiple high-level diplomatic efforts, with the Sri Lankan Embassy in Cairo coordinating the required consular support.
Minister Herath provided direct guidance and instructions throughout the process to secure their freedom. The six sailors arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake a short while ago.
Officials from the Consular Affairs Division and the African Affairs Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs received the group, who were reported to be in good health.
