Three Pakistani crew members killed in Somalia MT Honour 25 ship rescue operation

KARACHI: Five people, including three Pakistani nationals, were killed and five others injured when Puntland security forces stormed the hijacked oil vessel MT Honour 25 off Somalia, ending a hostage ordeal that lasted five months and eight days.

The Pakistanis killed were identified as Second Officer Kashif Umar, Rafiullah and Mahmood Ansari. Their deaths were confirmed by families in Karachi, who have appealed for the immediate repatriation of the bodies.

Second Engineer Syed Hussain Yousuf told the Ansar Burney Trust by phone that five people, including the three Pakistanis, were killed in the firing, while five others were wounded. The Trust and the families later released pictures of the bodies and the injured crew members.

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.

Hijacked after leaving Mogadishu

MT Honour 25 departed the international port of Mogadishu on April 21, 2026, carrying more than 18,000 barrels of oil. Somali pirates attacked the vessel as it reached the Puntland region and took the crew hostage.

There were 17 crew members aboard, including 10 Pakistanis. The remaining crew were from Indonesia, India and Sri Lanka.

Families campaigned for release

Relatives of the Pakistani hostages launched efforts to secure their release, holding press conferences and staging several protests, including demonstrations at Numaish Chowrangi and on Shahrah-e-Faisal on September 6 and 7. They demanded the immediate recovery of the crew.

On September 28, the Ansar Burney Trust received a new photograph and message from the ship’s captain, who appealed to Turkish and Puntland authorities to ensure the crew’s safety before taking any action against the vessel. In an audio message, Kashif Umar said the situation aboard had become extremely critical.

Puntland security forces launched their operation soon after and rescued the hostages from the pirates. The Ansar Burney Trust said it was continuing to coordinate with the crew, authorities and international organisations to facilitate the return of the injured and the repatriation of the deceased.