Three Pakistani sailors were among five crew members killed during a rescue operation involving the hijacked vessel Honour 25 after Somali pirates allegedly opened fire on hostages while attempting to escape.
According to surviving crew members and the Ansar Burney Welfare Trust, Somali authorities and security forces from the semi-autonomous Puntland region launched an operation to rescue the crew of the oil tanker. A gunfight reportedly broke out between the security forces and the pirates during the operation.
The survivors said the pirates came under pressure and began retreating. Before leaving the vessel, they allegedly opened fire on the hostages, resulting in the deaths of five crew members and injuries to four others.
Surviving Pakistani sailors Hussain Yousuf and Imran Ali contacted the Ansar Burney Welfare Trust in Karachi using the captain’s mobile phone and provided details about the incident.
The Pakistani sailors killed in the attack were identified as Second Officer Kashif Umar, Third Engineer Mahmood Ansari and Boiler Rafiullah. An Indian crew member identified as Tanveer and the vessel’s chief engineer from Myanmar were also reported among those killed.
Four other crew members were injured, including three Pakistanis, while several sailors remained safe. The injured crew members were identified as Usman, Aqeel, Ameen and Vicky, all from Indonesia. Yasir Khan, Hussain Yousuf, Imran Ali and Yaseen were reported safe.
Ansar Burney Trust Director Advocate Qurat-ul-Ain said the incident took place at a significant distance from the shore. She added that the pirates damaged the steering system of the Honour 25 while fleeing, leaving the vessel unable to operate independently.
A Somali naval vessel involved in the rescue operation is towing the damaged ship toward the shore. The journey is expected to take at least two days.
Pakistani authorities and the Ministry of Human Rights have reportedly been informed about the incident. The families of the Pakistani sailors, who are from different areas of Karachi, had spent months seeking their safe release and appealing for government assistance.
The Honour 25, an oil tanker travelling from Oman to Somalia, was hijacked by Somali pirates on April 21. The vessel was carrying 17 crew members, including 10 Pakistani nationals.
The pirates initially demanded a ransom of $3 million for the release of the hostages. According to the reported details, the demand was later reduced to $1.9 million and eventually to $1 million.
The incident has renewed concerns about the risks faced by commercial crews operating in waters affected by piracy. Further details about the rescue operation, the condition of the surviving crew and the circumstances surrounding the deaths are expected as authorities continue their investigation.
