The continued detention of three Azerbaijani ships in Eritrea, since November 7, 2024, is attributed to the Eritrean state, Caspian Marine Services (CMS) B.V. told Report.

According to the company, the documentation necessary for the release of the Azerbaijani ships in Eritrea is still incomplete.

"The reason for the non-release of the ships is related to the Eritrean state. An ongoing investigation in Eritrea will take some time to conclude."

The company assured that regular contact is maintained with the crew members, all of whom are in good condition and have access to food. They are also able to communicate with their families.

On November 7, 2024, the Azerbaijani-flagged ships CMS Pahlavan, CMS Igid, and CMS-3, operated by the Azerbaijani branch of Caspian Marine Services B.V., were forced to enter Eritrean territorial waters due to deteriorating weather conditions during their voyage from the Suez Canal to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Despite initial contact with Eritrean port authorities during the journey, communication was incomplete, and upon entering the 12-mile territorial waters, Eritrean authorities declared the entry unauthorized and detained the vessels.

Onboard the ships are 24 crew members, including 18 Azerbaijani nationals and 6 foreign citizens.