Somali Pirates Demand $3 Million for Release of Crew, Including Pakistanis, From Hijacked Vessel: Ansar Burney Trust

(Digital Itlaah) Pakistan-based human rights organization Ansar Burney Trust says that Somali pirates have demanded a ransom of 3 million US dollars for the release of the crew aboard an oil tanker hijacked near Somalia in April this year.

According to the Ansar Burney Trust, they have established contact with the pirates and are making efforts to secure the release of the kidnapped crew members.

It is worth mentioning that on April 21, pirates hijacked the oil tanker “MT Honor 25” near Somalia. Out of the 17 crew members on board, 10 are Pakistani nationals.

Families of the kidnapped Pakistanis told Digital Itlaah that initially there was no shortage of food on the vessel, but over time supplies have become limited. They also claimed that around 50 pirates aboard the ship have not only subjected crew members to violence but have also threatened to kill them if their demands are not met.

The operating company of “MT Honor 25,” “Warf Chartering,” is registered in Indonesia. The ship’s captain is Indonesian, and four Indonesian nationals are also among the crew member