The Foreign Office said on Thursday that the bodies of three Pakistani crew members killed during the recovery of the hijacked vessel MT Honour 25 will be brought back to Pakistan at the earliest possible time. Spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan shared the update during his weekly press briefing in Islamabad.
Pakistan expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of five crew members in the operation carried out off the coast of Somalia. The three Pakistani nationals who lost their lives were identified as Rafi Ullah Khan, Syed Kashif Umer and Mahmood Ahmed Ansari. Four other crew members, including three Pakistanis, were injured and are currently receiving medical treatment.
Khan said the surviving crew were first brought ashore at Bandar Beyla and have now been safely moved to Garowe, where the injured are under care. The Government and people of Pakistan extended their deepest condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the departed souls to rest in peace.
The spokesperson confirmed that Pakistan is in close contact with Somali authorities and other stakeholders. The priority is to ensure proper medical care for the injured, arrange the repatriation of the mortal remains, and secure the safe return of the surviving Pakistani crew members. The crew had been held captive since April 11. The recovery operation was launched to free personnel of different nationalities, including Pakistanis.
During the process of retrieving the vessel, three Pakistanis and two other nationals lost their lives. Pakistan’s ambassador to Djibouti is travelling to Addis Ababa, while the deputy head of mission is already in Garowe and remains in contact with the hospitalised crew. The bodies of the deceased are currently in the possession of Pakistan’s diplomatic representatives.
Asked about the repatriation process, Khan said the bodies would be transported via Addis Ababa airport using Ethiopian Airlines, which operates a direct flight to Pakistan. The exact timeline will depend on local procedures and the medical condition of the surviving crew. He stressed that the embassy and the government are working actively to bring the Pakistanis home. The injured will receive proper medical treatment, and the bodies of the deceased will be repatriated as soon as possible.
The incident has once again highlighted the risks faced by Pakistani seafarers working on international vessels. The Foreign Office continues to coordinate closely with all relevant parties to complete the repatriation process with dignity and care.
