Somali pirates have taken control of an oil tanker off Somalia’s coast, holding over 10 Pakistani crew members captive, including sailors from Karachi. The vessel, named “Honour 25,” was boarded on April 21 and remains under pirate control, with 11 Pakistani crew believed to be aboard.
In a significant development, a distress audio message from one of the hostages, Amin Bin Shams, has circulated widely on social media. In the tearful recording, he informs his father of their dire situation, saying, “Dad, we have been captured by pirates. This is my last voice message. I don’t know if I will be able to speak to you again because they are taking us to be killed.” He also asks for forgiveness and urges his family to remain strong, breaking down as he says goodbye.
His father revealed that Amin was their only son, sent abroad for employment. He appealed to the Government of Pakistan for assistance in securing his safe return. Meanwhile, Amin’s wife, Ayesha, shared that her husband had reported threats of aerial firing against the crew and that they were being moved to an unknown location. She expressed deep sorrow, saying she had not yet properly met their child and feared she might never see her husband again.
Shipping sources confirmed the attack and seizure of the “Honour 25” on April 21. Efforts are reportedly underway by Indonesian authorities to negotiate the release of the ship’s Indonesian captain. However, Pakistan’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs has so far been unable to establish contact with the crew, and the manning agency responsible for the vessel has remained silent.
Family members of the Pakistani crew have urged the government to take immediate action for their safe recovery, expressing concern over the lack of official communication regarding the incident.
