Families Demand Rescue Of 10 Pakistani Crew Aboard Oil Tanker Seized By Somali Pirates For Over 23 Days
Our take
Families of the ten Pakistani crew members aboard an oil tanker seized by Somali pirates are urgently demanding their rescue after more than 23 days of captivity. The vessel was taken on April 21, approximately 30 nautical miles off the coast, with a total of 17 crew members onboard. As the situation unfolds, it highlights the ongoing threats to maritime safety in the region.
The recent seizure of an oil tanker by Somali pirates, resulting in the prolonged captivity of 10 Pakistani crew members, underscores the ongoing challenges of maritime security in regions plagued by piracy. With the vessel taken approximately 30 nautical miles from the coast on April 21, the incident highlights not only the dangers faced by seafarers but also the urgent need for global cooperation in combating maritime threats. This situation resonates with other critical maritime security issues, such as the apprehension of operatives aboard a fishing boat in Kuwait, as detailed in our article, Kuwait Says It Arrested 4 IRGC Operatives Aboard Fishing Boat Chartered For Hostile Actions, and the implications of geopolitical tensions on global oil supply, as noted in IEA Warns Global Oil Supply Will Fall Short Of Demand This Year As Hormuz Crisis Deepens.
The plight of the crew members is a heart-wrenching reminder of the human cost associated with piracy, which has not been eradicated despite international efforts. Families of the affected crew are understandably demanding immediate action for their rescue, bringing to light the emotional and psychological toll such incidents can have on both the individuals held captive and their families. As the families call for assistance, one must consider the broader implications regarding the vulnerability of maritime workers in high-risk zones. Their safety hinges not only on national policies but also on collaborative international maritime strategies, which have often been inconsistent and sporadic in effectiveness.
Furthermore, this incident serves as a pivotal moment to reflect on the interconnectedness of global maritime routes with regional conflicts and economic dependencies. The oil industry, deeply intertwined with geopolitical dynamics, is frequently subjected to disruptions due to piracy and other maritime threats. The implications of this particular seizure extend beyond the immediate danger faced by those aboard the tanker; they also highlight the fragility of global supply chains, as evidenced by the ongoing concerns about oil supply reflected in previous analyses. The maritime domain is an arena where local conflicts can escalate into broader economic ramifications, affecting energy prices and stability worldwide.
Looking ahead, the situation prompts critical questions regarding the future of maritime security and the measures that must be taken to ensure the safety of those navigating these treacherous waters. What collaborative efforts can be implemented to effectively deter piracy? How can nations work together to create a more robust framework for maritime security that not only safeguards seafarers but also protects vital trade routes? As we contemplate these questions, it is essential to recognize that the responsibility for ensuring maritime safety lies not solely with individual nations but requires a concerted global approach. The resolution of this urgent crisis may ultimately serve as a litmus test for our collective commitment to safeguarding the waters that are crucial to our interconnected world.
The MT Honour 25, a Palau-flagged product tanker, remains under the control of Somali pirates 23 days after it was seized off Somalia’s Puntland region.
The vessel was taken on April 21, about 30 nautical miles from the coast, with 17 crew members on board, including 10 Pakistani nationals.
Families of the detained seafarers protested in Karachi on Wednesday, urging authorities to bring their relatives home.
They gathered at the Karachi Port Trust Native Jetty Bridge, holding placards and standing under the sun, while children of the seafarers joined them in demanding action.
Relatives of the abducted crew say the situation onboard has worsened significantly since the seizure.
Ambreen Fatima, whose husband is among the crew and serves as second engineer on the ship, said her family has been deeply affected since the hijacking.
She said her daughter was hospitalised for two days due to stress and her 16-year-old son, who is currently appearing for annual exams, is unable to focus.
She quoted him as saying he feels like his “brain is not functioning” because he is constantly worried about his father.
She also said the last video call allowed by the captors was six days ago, and her husband did not look well during the call.
Families said the situation onboard has become worse. They added that crew members told them during brief calls that they were surviving on boiled rice once a day and drinking untreated tank water due to a lack of clean supplies.
Mehwish Yasir, another family member, said she has spoken to her husband, Yasir Khan, an oiler on the vessel, only twice since he left in January.
She said her younger son does not understand what has happened and still believes his father will return soon. She said the family does not know whether any concrete steps are being taken to secure their release.
Pakistan’s foreign ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the pirates have not contacted Islamabad and have shown no interest in negotiating with the government.
He said the ship owner is in talks with the pirates and is also in contact with Somali authorities, who are keeping Pakistan updated.
He added that a team from Pakistan’s embassy in Djibouti visited Somalia from May 7 to May 10 and was told that the hostages were safe.
However, Somali authorities said they cannot storm the vessel because it is carrying flammable cargo.
He also said Pakistan’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs is coordinating with the families and that efforts are ongoing.
Maritime security concerns have increased in the region. At least three vessels were hijacked off Puntland in April 2026, which led the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations to issue a “substantial” threat warning for the area.
The Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters remain one of the world’s most important maritime corridors, linking energy exports and global trade routes between Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
Reference: Reuters
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