10 Pakistanis remain hostage as Somali pirates hold hijacked tanker for 40 days

Karachi: Ten Pakistani crew members remain in captivity more than 40 days after an oil tanker was hijacked by Somali pirates off the coast of Somalia, according to diplomatic sources.

The tanker, Honour 25, was seized on April 21 while sailing near the Somali coast. A total of 17 crew members were taken hostage, including 10 Pakistanis, four Indonesians, one Indian and one Myanmar national.

Pakistan’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs had earlier confirmed the hijacking and said immediate measures were initiated to secure the safe release of the crew.

Diplomatic sources said the vessel remains anchored off the Somali coast and none of the hostages have been released so far despite ongoing negotiations.

According to the sources, the Somali government is communicating with the pirates through the vessel’s owner in an effort to secure the crew’s freedom. The pirates initially demanded a ransom of $10 million, later reducing the amount to $4 million, but negotiations have yet to produce a breakthrough.

Concern is growing among the families of the Pakistani crew members, who have appealed to the government to intensify efforts for their safe return.

In a video message, Ambreen Yousuf, wife of the ship’s second engineer Shohar Hussain Yousuf, said her husband had informed her that conditions aboard the vessel were deteriorating.

“He told me the ship’s engine had broken down and people on board were becoming ill,” she said, urging authorities to ensure the early and safe release of all Pakistani hostages.

Diplomatic sources said Somalia had earlier assured Pakistan that it was actively engaging with the pirates and had also sent a formal communication to Islamabad regarding the matter.

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The incident has renewed concerns about a resurgence of piracy in the Indian Ocean region. Piracy off the Somali coast reached its peak in 2011 but declined significantly following international naval deployments and enhanced security measures by commercial shipping companies.

However, recent attacks have raised alarms among maritime security agencies. Officials say opportunistic pirate groups are attempting to exploit security gaps in the region.

In a similar case in 2024, Somali pirates captured a Bangladesh-flagged cargo vessel and its 23 crew members near the Somali coast. The ship and its crew were eventually released after a ransom payment was reportedly delivered.

Maritime security observers warn that renewed pirate activity could pose fresh challenges to international shipping routes passing through the Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters.