Ayesha Ameen, a family member of one of the hostages, said, “How do you tell a three-year-old that her father is held captive and cannot come home?” This heartbreaking statement comes after Somali pirates seized the MT Honour 25 on April 21, 2026.
The tanker was carrying approximately 18,000 barrels of oil when it was hijacked. As of midday Tuesday, conditions on board have deteriorated significantly, with low food and water supplies reported.
The crew consists of 17 members, including 10 Pakistani sailors, 4 Indonesians, and one each from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and India. Ameen bin Shams is among those held hostage.
This incident marks a significant resurgence in piracy off the coast of Somalia. At least three vessels have been seized since April 20, indicating a troubling trend in maritime security.
The MT Honour 25 is currently anchored about 30 nautical miles from Somalia’s Puntland region. Families of the hostages are urging the Pakistani government to form a committee for their release.
Ayesha Ameen expressed frustration: “What has been most frustrating is how callous, how heartless the government has been.”
Mehmood Ahmed Ansari, another family member, stated, “We are hijacked, reach out to the company, to people, to the government.” No ransom figure has been confirmed by either Pakistani or Somali officials.
The situation remains critical as families await news on their loved ones. The international community is closely monitoring developments in this piracy resurgence.
