3 Pakistanis among 5 crew killed in operation to recover hijacked vessel MT Honour 25: FO
- FO names Pakistani victims as Rafi Ullah Khan, Syed Kashif Umer, and Mahmood Ahmed Ansari
Three Pakistanis were among five crew members killed during an operation to recover the hijacked vessel MT Honour 25, with others injured and survivors brought to safety.
- Identified Pakistani victims.
- Injured crew members' medical care.
- Government assistance for Pakistani nationals.
Three Pakistanis were among five crew members killed during an operation to recover the hijacked vessel MT Honour 25, the Foreign Office said on Wednesday.
In a statement, the FO named the Pakistani victims as Rafi Ullah Khan, Syed Kashif Umer, and Mahmood Ahmed Ansari.
In April this year, pirates attacked and seized an oil tanker near the coast of Somalia, taking hostage a vessel carrying at least 10 Pakistani crew members, prompting Pakistani authorities to launch urgent rescue and diplomatic efforts.
“The Government and people of Pakistan extend their deepest condolences to the bereaved families,” the FO said, adding that Pakistan prays for strength and comfort for the families and for the departed souls to rest in peace.
“Four crew members were also injured, including three Pakistani nationals. The injured have been taken to a nearby hospital and are receiving medical care,” the ministry said. “The surviving crew members of MT Honour 25 have been brought safely ashore at Bandar Beyla.”
The FO said Pakistan’s Embassy team in Djibouti was proceeding to Bandar Beyla to assist the Pakistani nationals. The government, through its Mission and relevant authorities, was in close contact with Somali authorities and other stakeholders, it added.
On Tuesday, Puntland state television reported that Somalia’s Puntland security forces had rescued the MT Honour 25, a Palau-flagged petroleum products tanker seized by Somali pirates in April with at least 10 Pakistanis among the 17 crew members on board.
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