The Russian Seafarers’ Union has announced that the captain and the senior officer of the Soy cargo ship have been released in Egypt, with indications that they may soon return to Russia. This update comes through reports from TASS and is being monitored by maritime safety observers and diplomats alike.
The union confirmed that the captain and the second officer of the Soy ship were freed from detention. This development arrives amid ongoing legal and diplomatic discussions about the vessel’s status and the crew members’ wellbeing as the situation unfolds.
An Egyptian court has extended the detention period for the ship’s captain and the second officer to 45 days. The timing and terms of this extension are shaping further inquiries into the case, including potential implications for the ship’s ownership, crew actions, and port procedures in Alexandria.
Meanwhile, the Consulate General of the Russian Federation has stated that Russian diplomats are closely examining the circumstances surrounding the Soy cargo ship detained in Alexandria. Reports indicate that the crew remains able to access necessary medicines, and there are no indications that their health is a concern at this stage of proceedings.
Previous assessments noted suspicions that narcotic substances may have been present on board. The vessel was unloaded at the port of Alexandria on 4 November, and authorities have investigated claims that tramadol, a synthetic opioid analgesic subject to import restrictions in Egypt, was carried on the ship. This line of inquiry is central to the legal actions being pursued by Egyptian authorities and ongoing diplomatic discussions between Moscow and Cairo.
In recent updates, maritime authorities and the ship’s representatives have emphasized a focus on the crew’s safety, medical access, and rights while under detention. The broader context involves not only the immediate legal restrictions but also the operational and economic implications for the Soy voyage, the carrier fleet involved, and the routes that connect Russian shipping interests with international ports along the Mediterranean. All parties are watching how Egyptian courts will balance security concerns with the welfare of the crew and the practical needs of ongoing port operations, inspections, and eventual resolution of the case. The situation continues to develop, with official statements continuing to underscore commitment to due process and lawful procedures. (Source: TASS and related diplomatic channels)