She reports they were found outside the town of Suluq, about 50km south of Benghazi - and at least 200km from any oil installations. they were brought back to Benghazi, handed over to the National Council and rebel commanders.
One carried a diplomatic passport, while the other seven did not, confirm sources within the new "Libyan Transitional National Council".
Hoda reports the British said they had entered via the Egyptian passport - but none had recent Egyptian entry or exit stamps in their passports.
Instead, Hoda's sources tell her, anti-Gaddafi fighters near Suluq saw a helicopter landing close to them early on Friday, investigated, came across the eight - and picked them up.
While claims of being on a diplomatic mission remain credible, she says, members of the National Council are asking: "Why didn't they just establish direct contact with us?"
While the troops remained tight-lipped when she saw them, Benghazi dock workers told her the first port of call for the HMS Cumberland - which has been evacuating British nationals from Benghazi over the past weeks - would be Malta.