Pakistani Sailors Held by Somali Pirates Appeal for Help — 'We Have No Water Left'
ISLAMABAD — Ten Pakistani sailors among 17 crew members of the Honer 25 oil tanker who have been held hostage by Somali pirates since April 21 have run out of food, medicines and drinking water, with survivors forced to drink dirty water used by pirates.
The families of the crew members have made a desperate appeal to the Pakistani government and international community for immediate intervention. The sailors are surviving on boiled rice just once a day.
The Crisis
The Honer 25 oil tanker was hijacked by Somali pirates near the Gulf of Aden, with the crew taken hostage. The pirates have demanded ransom but negotiations have stalled.
- Hostages: 17 crew members including 10 Pakistanis
- Hijack Date: April 21, 2026
- Condition: No food, no water, no medicines
- Location: Anchored near Somali coast
Families' Plea
Family members of the Pakistani sailors held a press conference in Islamabad, urging the government to take immediate action. Mothers and wives wept as they described the desperate situation of their loved ones.
- Water Crisis: Crew forced to drink dirty water used by pirates
- Food Ration: Only one meal of boiled rice per day
- Health Emergency: Several crew members reported seriously ill
Government Response
The Foreign Office confirmed it is in contact with international partners and exploring all diplomatic channels to secure the release of the crew.
Pakistan has previously assisted in maritime security operations in the region.
Conclusion
The plight of the Pakistani sailors highlights the ongoing threat of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and the need for stronger international maritime security cooperation.
