Pirates Kill 5 Crew Members on Hijacked Tanker Off Somalia
Security forces retook the vessel, arresting 16 suspects while four pirates escaped.
Authorities in Somalia's Puntland region announced that pirates killed five crew members of a hijacked fuel tanker before security forces reclaimed the vessel. The MT Honour 25 was seized in April with 17 crew members on board, marking one of an increasing number of piracy incidents in the region. The tanker was carrying 18,500 barrels of oil.
During the operation on Tuesday, 16 suspected pirates were detained, while at least 11 others managed to escape and remain at large, according to officials.
The deceased crew members included three Pakistani nationals, one from Myanmar, and one Indian. Four additional individuals, including three Pakistanis and one Indian, sustained injuries.
The Puntland Maritime Police Force stated that the tanker has been secured and is now under the protection of Puntland authorities. It is believed that the pirates provided food to the crew during the hijacking.
Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life during the operation to recover the vessel. This rescue operation is the latest in a series of anti-piracy efforts along Puntland’s coastline.
Puntland police also addressed the hijacking of the oil tanker MT Eureka in May. In that incident, pirates reportedly ran the vessel aground before abandoning it and allowing the crew to disembark safely. The crew members were later confirmed to be unharmed.
These recent events have raised concerns about a potential resurgence of piracy off Somalia's coast, following a period of relative decline in attacks. Puntland authorities have pledged to continue pursuing those involved in piracy and other maritime crimes, and seek ongoing collaboration with international maritime security partners.