Pakistani crew members held hostage in hijacked Somali oil tanker

A video has surfaced showing Pakistani crew members being held in cramped and deteriorating conditions aboard the hijacked oil tanker Honour 25, which is currently anchored off the coast of Somalia. The footage has raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of the hostages.

According to reports, around a dozen crew members are confined in a small room on the vessel. The group includes 11 Pakistani nationals, some of whom are residents of Karachi. The video shows extremely difficult living conditions, prompting distress among the families of those on board.

The tanker was reportedly hijacked by armed pirates on April 21 near the Somali coastline. Security sources said the vessel was seized approximately 30 nautical miles offshore by six armed men. In total, the ship was carrying 17 crew members, including an Indonesian captain and 11 Pakistani sailors.

Pakistani crew held hostage after oil tanker hijacked near Somalia

Family members of the hostages have expressed deep concern over their loved ones’ safety. Among them is Second Engineer Syed Hussain, who had left Karachi in January. His family says they have had no contact with him since the hijacking incident.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has sought a detailed report on the situation and directed authorities to remain in close contact while continuously monitoring developments. Officials say efforts are underway to secure the safe release of the crew through coordination with Somali authorities and other international partners.

The Sindh Governor has also assured the affected families that the government has not abandoned the hostages and is actively working for their release. He stated that consultations have been held with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Foreign Office, and that Pakistan’s embassy is engaged with international stakeholders.

Diplomatic channels, including coordination with international organizations, are also being utilized to ensure the safe recovery of the crew members.