Pirates Seize Oil Tanker with 11 Pakistanis Onboard Off Somalia
An oil tanker carrying 11 Pakistani crew members has been seized by pirates off the coast of Somalia, prompting immediate action from Pakistan’s government. The vessel, identified as Honour 25, was attacked by pirates on April 21, and after the assault, the ship was taken under their control.
The Ministry of Maritime Affairs has confirmed the incident and assured that urgent steps are being taken to ensure the safe release of the crew. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, has requested a detailed report on the matter and ordered authorities to ramp up rescue operations.
In response to the hijacking, the ministry is in constant contact with relevant agencies, monitoring the situation closely. Furthermore, the Ministry has instructed Pakistan’s Foreign Office to engage diplomatically and begin efforts to secure the release of the Pakistani nationals aboard the ship. Contact is also being made with the Somali government to assist in the recovery.
This recent incident is a worrying reminder of piracy in the region. In 2024, Somali pirates captured a Bangladesh-flagged cargo vessel, holding 23 crew members hostage until a ransom was paid. This type of piracy, often fueled by financial incentives, has raised concerns about the resurgence of attacks in the Indian Ocean, particularly following the withdrawal of international forces that had previously kept the pirates in check.
