30 September 2026 : An oil tanker seized by Somali pirates has been retaken by security forces in Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland region, but officials say five members of the crew were killed before the rescue operation was completed. The dead reportedly include three Pakistani nationals, one Indian national and one Myanmar national, according to Puntland authorities. Puntland’s Deputy Information Minister, Bile Qabosade, told the BBC that the five crew members had been killed before regional security forces reached the tanker. Four other crew members were reportedly injured, including three Pakistanis and one Indian national. Officials have not yet provided detailed information about how the five crew members died or the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
17-member crew included 10 Pakistanis
The MT Honor 25 was carrying around 18,500 barrels of oil when it was seized by armed pirates off the Somali coast on 21 April 2026. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the vessel had a 17-member crew, including 10 Pakistani nationals. The tanker had been travelling towards Somalia after departing from Oman when pirates took control of the vessel. Puntland security forces later launched an operation to regain control of the ship. Local authorities said 16 suspected pirates were arrested, while others managed to escape and were being pursued.
Pakistan has not independently confirmed the deaths
Pakistan’s Foreign Office has previously said that its mission in Djibouti was in contact with relevant authorities to verify reports concerning the vessel and the Pakistani crew members. The Foreign Office said information about the recovery of the vessel had initially been received through unofficial channels and that efforts were under way to establish the facts. Pakistan has also said that 10 Pakistani nationals were among the crew members held hostage on the vessel.
Families had been seeking the crew's release
The families of the Pakistani sailors had repeatedly appealed to the government for action to secure their release during the months they remained in captivity. Reports also said that the pirates had demanded a $3 million ransom for the release of the hostages. The crew members were recruited through a Karachi-based manning company. The company had previously said that its role was limited to recruiting the sailors, while responsibility for the vessel's operations and emergency situations rested with its owners and managers.
Family member speaks after rescue operation
Hussain Yousaf, a Pakistani second engineer aboard the tanker, was among those rescued. His nephew, Talib Raza, told the BBC that he had spoken to his uncle by phone after the operation. According to Raza, his uncle said that several people had been killed and injured during the operation to retake the vessel. The family has urged authorities to ensure proper medical care for the surviving Pakistani crew members and to make arrangements for the return of the bodies of those who died.
Questions remain over the deaths
Although Puntland authorities have announced that the tanker has been recovered and suspected pirates arrested, several details remain unclear. These include the exact circumstances in which the five crew members died, the condition of the injured sailors and the current status of all surviving crew members. The reported deaths of Pakistani nationals have not yet been independently confirmed by Pakistan’s government.
Note: Details regarding the deaths and injuries are based on statements attributed to Puntland authorities and reports from other sources. Final confirmation of the Pakistani casualties is awaited from the relevant Pakistani authorities.
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