Azerbaijan has called on Eritrean authorities to release three detained Azerbaijani-flagged vessels and their 18 crew members, held since November 7, 2024. The ships reportedly entered Eritrean waters due to adverse weather while en route to Abu Dhabi through the Suez Canal.
The detained vessels, CMS Pahlian, CMS İgid, and CMS-3, are operated by Caspian Marine Services B.V.’s Azerbaijani branch. Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ayxan Hajizada stated that Eritrean officials cited incomplete documentation as the reason for the detention.
Diplomatic efforts are underway, with Azerbaijan sending formal notes through its embassies in Ethiopia and Russia. Authorities aim to secure the release of the vessels and provide legal assistance to the detained crew.