FO confirms deaths of three Pakistanis in Somalia tanker rescue operation

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday confirmed the death of three Pakistanis during a rescue operation to recover an oil tanker hijacked by Somali pirates.

The Palau-flagged vessel, MT Honour 25, was seized by armed pirates in April with 19 crew members on board, including 10 Pakistanis.

Maritime police in Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland region conducted an operation to retake the vessel, which ended the five-month hostage ordeal.

“Pakistan is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of five crew members during the operation to recover the hijacked vessel, MT Honour 25, off the coast of Somalia,” the Foreign Office said in an official statement.

The ministry identified the deceased Pakistani nationals as Rafiullah Khan, Syed Kashif Umer and Mahmood Ahmed Ansari.

Four other crew members were injured during the rescue, including three Pakistanis, and are receiving medical treatment at a nearby hospital, the FO said.

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Pakistan Expresses Condolences over Loss of lives during Recovery of MT Honour 25

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— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) September 30, 2026

Surviving crew members have been transferred ashore to Bandar Beyla.

The statement said that Pakistan’s diplomatic mission at its embassy in Djibouti is proceeding to the region to coordinate medical care, assist survivors, and arrange the return of the deceased crew members’ remains.

Ansar Burney says warnings went unheard

Ansar Burney, head of the Ansar Burney Trust International, expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and said authorities had repeatedly been informed of the critical condition of the hostages and the threats to their lives, but had not acted in time.

“Today, mourning has entered their homes, but sadly, no one listened to us,” he said in a statement. “We kept shouting that the lives of these innocent people were in danger.”

Burney said the families had also continued to appeal for help but their voices had not received the seriousness they deserved. He urged all possible efforts to ensure the safe return of the injured and the prompt repatriation of the dead, adding, “This is the time to stand with the grieving families.”

The International Maritime Organization has since contacted the Trust about the situation, according to the Trust. It said the IMO had assured it of the necessary measures and cooperation to help bring the injured crew home and repatriate the bodies to their respective countries.

The Trust said it remained in continuous contact with the crew, relevant authorities and international organisations.

Sindh chief minister seeks details, urges federal action

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah also expressed grief over the deaths, describing the killing of crew members from Karachi during the operation by Somali forces as extremely tragic.

Offering condolences to the bereaved families, he directed the Foreign Office to immediately obtain details of the Pakistanis killed, including those from Karachi and other areas. He also urged the federal government to take immediate steps to bring the bodies to Karachi and the victims’ native areas, and to ensure the safety of the Pakistani crew still in Somalia.

Family of Kashif Umar pleads for return of body

The family of Kashif Umar, a resident of Buffer Zone, is mourning his death and has appealed to the government to bring his body home without delay.

Speaking to the media, Umar’s son said the family had waited five months since the ship was hijacked and claimed that no one had contacted them during that time. He expressed frustration over the failure to bring the crew home safely.

“We have been left helpless on the streets,” he said. In an emotional appeal, he added: “Bring my father’s body back to me. I am pleading with you now to bring his body home.”

The family also called for immediate medical assistance for the injured crew and urged authorities to use helicopters or airlift arrangements if necessary to bring back the bodies and the wounded.