The Foreign Office says three Pakistani sailors were killed and four others injured during the operation to recover the hijacked tanker off Somalia.
WEB DESK: Pakistan is making arrangements to facilitate the repatriation of the remains of three Pakistani sailors killed during an operation to recover the hijacked tanker MT Honour 25 off the coast of Somalia, the Foreign Office said on Wednesday.
Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan expressed condolences over the deaths and identified the three Pakistani nationals as Rafi Ullah Khan, Syed Kashif Umer and Mahmood Ahmed Ansari.
Four Pakistani crew members injured
The Foreign Office said four Pakistani crew members were also injured during the operation and were receiving medical treatment at a nearby hospital.
The surviving crew members of the tanker were brought safely ashore at Bandar Beyla, according to the Foreign Office.
Pakistan’s embassy team in Djibouti was travelling to Bandar Beyla to assist the Pakistani nationals, while Islamabad remained in contact with Somali authorities and other relevant stakeholders.
MT Honour 25 recovered from pirates
The MT Honour 25 had been hijacked by Somali pirates in April while carrying a multinational crew.
Puntland authorities said their forces successfully recovered the tanker during an operation and captured pirates involved in the hijacking. Reuters reported that five crew members were killed before the vessel was recovered.
The tanker had been carrying 10 Pakistani nationals among its crew, who had remained in captivity for months. Pakistan had previously sought international assistance to secure their release and safe return.
Pakistan working to assist survivors
The Foreign Office said the government was making every possible effort to ensure appropriate medical treatment for the injured sailors, facilitate transportation of the remains of those killed and support the safe return of the surviving Pakistani crew.
Pakistan’s diplomatic mission is coordinating with Somali authorities and other concerned parties as arrangements are made for the repatriation process.
The incident highlights the continuing risks faced by commercial shipping and seafarers operating off the Somali coast, where piracy remains a security concern despite international maritime efforts.
