Somali pirates seize oil tanker near Somalia coast, 11 Pakistani crew on board

Pirates off the coast of Somalia have hijacked an oil tanker, raising serious concerns after reports confirmed that 11 Pakistani crew members are among those on board.

According to shipping sources, the vessel named Owner 25 was attacked on April 21 while sailing near Somali waters in the Arabian Sea. Armed pirates reportedly boarded the tanker and took control of the ship without facing resistance from nearby naval patrols.

The tanker was carrying a multinational crew, including 11 Pakistani nationals. Since the incident, there has been no confirmed communication with the crew, either through the shipping company or relevant maritime authorities, increasing anxiety among families.

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Officials from Pakistan’s maritime affairs directorate have also been unable to establish contact with the vessel. Meanwhile, the shipping agency responsible for the tanker has remained silent, offering no official update on the situation or the condition of the crew.

Families of the affected crew members have expressed deep concern and urged authorities to take urgent action. Speaking to media, they said they have learned that Indonesian officials are reportedly negotiating with the pirates for the release of their national captain, but no similar diplomatic effort has been confirmed for the Pakistani crew.

They have called on the Pakistani government to immediately intervene, coordinate with international maritime agencies, and ensure the safe return of all Pakistani sailors aboard the vessel.

Piracy incidents near Somalia and the broader Arabian Sea region have seen a resurgence in recent months, reviving fears over maritime security along one of the world’s most important shipping routes. The latest hijacking underscores ongoing vulnerabilities faced by commercial vessels despite international naval patrols in the area.

Authorities are expected to seek urgent updates from shipping partners and global maritime security networks as efforts continue to locate and secure the vessel and its crew.