Egyptian sailors return home after 151 days in captivity off Somalia

Eight Egyptian sailors returned to Cairo from Mogadishu late on Sunday after 151 days in captivity off Somalia, reuniting with their families amid tears, embraces and ululations.

Their return followed a foreign ministry statement on Saturday confirming their arrival in Mogadishu, where Egyptian Ambassador to Somalia Mohamed Salah received them and arranged their accommodation at the embassy ahead of their journey to Cairo.

Families gathered at Cairo Airport to welcome them before the sailors travelled to their hometowns.

According to media reports, Adham Salem Shaaban Gaber, 35, arrived home in eastern Alexandria early Monday and met his five-month-old daughter, Tia, for the first time. She was born three days after his abduction.

“I counted the days until I could see my daughter’s face. Only today will I be able to sleep peacefully and safely with my family,” Gaber said.

Neighbours welcomed him with fireworks and flares, while photographs of him decorated the fronts of homes. His mother embraced him amid tears and ululations.

Gaber described his return as having “brought life back to my body,” saying his joy was complete when he held Tia.

He was among the eight sailors whose release was announced following months of Egyptian diplomatic efforts.

In Menoufiya, sailor Sameh Abdel-Azim returned to his hometown and said he felt relieved to be back in Egypt, according to Cairo 24’s coverage of his homecoming.

“As soon as the plane arrived in Egypt, I felt safe,” he said.

Sameh thanked the Egyptian government and embassy, as well as his family and son for waiting for him.

Speaking to Al Arabiya/Al Hadath, Sameh described captivity as resembling “scenes from horror films.” He recounted hunger, humiliation, water shortages and waking to gunfire, saying the crew sometimes feared they would never see their families again.