In a statement, the MOU said it was continuing to closely monitor the case, expressing deep concern over the sailors' continued detention and the mounting pressure on efforts to complete the procedures for their release.
Recent remarks by the pirates were “angry and brief” in tone and included demands for the swift handover of the agreed ransom, the union added.
It said the tone of the remarks reflected growing concern among the kidnappers, who fear a limited military operation could be carried out against them as Somali authorities continue search operations and security measures in the area where the vessel is being held.
Efforts remain underway at various levels through contacts and mediation channels, the MOU said, adding that pressure was being exerted on the shipowner to accelerate the required procedures.
The union praised the role of Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, saying it was coordinating with the Yemeni and Somali governments to reach a settlement that preserves the lives and safety of the sailors.
It said priority was being given to solutions that would secure the hostages' release without exposing them to additional risks.
The MOU added that the case had entered a decisive phase focused on finalizing the transfer and delivery of the ransom. It said an agreement had been reached between the shipowner's Yemeni partner and the armed group holding the vessel, paving the way for the release of the ship and its crew.
The success of this stage depends on the swift implementation of the agreed procedures, the union said, stressing that it would continue following the case until all eight Egyptian sailors return safely to their families.
The case dates back to 2 May, when the MT Eureka was hijacked by Somali pirates after leaving Yemeni waters and was taken toward Somali territorial waters near Puntland.
The vessel, sailing under the Togolese flag, has a crew of 22, including eight Egyptians, and has remained held off the coast of Somalia since the seizure.
The Egyptian foreign ministry said on Monday it was closely monitoring the case and that Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty had ordered round-the-clock follow-up to secure the sailors’ safe release.
The Egyptian embassy in Mogadishu has been in contact with Somali authorities and relevant agencies, while Egypt’s embassy in Riyadh, which is accredited to Yemen, has been coordinating with Yemeni authorities and the vessel’s owner.
The ministry also said it had facilitated communication between the kidnapped Egyptian sailors and their families, while its consular sector was holding regular meetings with the families to brief them on efforts to secure the sailors’ release.
Stalled negotiations and disputes over the ransom have complicated the crisis.
Talks with the pirates had collapsed for a short period after the hijackers reportedly demanded a higher ransom, reversing a previous settlement attempt.
Head of Egypt’s Marine Officers Union Captain El-Sayed El-Shazly also blamed the shipowner for failing to fulfil his responsibilities toward the crew.
The crisis has renewed concerns over piracy off the Horn of Africa and in the Gulf of Aden, a key shipping route linking the Red Sea and the Suez Canal to global trade routes.
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