Seized cargo ship in Mozambique: Pakistani crew appeals for help

KARACHI: An LPG cargo ship Gas Falcon has been seized at Beira Port in Mozambique over unpaid dues, leaving its crew, including Pakistani nationals, stranded in worsening conditions.

The vessel, reportedly held by Italian port agents, has run out of essential supplies. There’s no food, water, fuel, or functioning life-support systems onboard.

Captain Muhammad Aslam, a Pakistani national commanding the vessel, issued a Mayday alert after the ship’s power and air-conditioning systems failed. “We’re out of diesel, water, and cooling. Even emergency lights and phones will die soon,” he told the media.

Alongside Captain Aslam, the first officer and the chef, both Pakistanis, remain trapped onboard with over 10 Indonesian crew members.

Indian authorities have already evacuated their citizens from the ship, but Pakistani crew members continue to wait for relief.

“We reached out to Ports and Shipping officials, but there’s been no response so far,” said Captain Aslam.

Following media reports, Director General Ports and Shipping Aaliya Shahid confirmed that contact had been made with the Pakistani crew. “We’re in touch with Mozambican authorities and are working to secure their release soon,” she said.

Conditions aboard the Gas Falcon are deteriorating rapidly. Perishable food has spoiled due to non-functional refrigeration, clean water has run out, and temperatures are soaring inside the vessel.

The vessel, sailing under Gabon’s flag, was reportedly held due to unresolved payment issues, though the exact financial dispute hasn’t been disclosed.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has taken notice of the incident and directed immediate assistance for the stranded Pakistanis. He stressed that relief should be provided on humanitarian grounds.

The Ministry of Maritime Affairs confirmed the presence of three Pakistanis and nine Indonesians onboard. The ministry said it is in constant coordination with DG Ports and Shipping and that Captain Aslam is actively engaged with Mozambican officials.

Additionally, the ministry has approached Pakistan’s Foreign Office to help resolve the issue and ensure the safe return of the affected crew members.

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