Three Pakistani Sailors Among Five Killed During Rescue Operation of Hijacked Honour 25

KARACHI, September 29, 2026 (Nazrana Times) Ali Imran Chattha 

Three Pakistani sailors were among five crew members killed during an operation to free the crew of the hijacked oil tanker MT Honour 25, according to survivors and the Ansar Burney Welfare Trust.
The Pakistani sailors were identified as Second Officer Syed Kashif Umar, Third Engineer Mahmood Ahmed Ansari and Boiler Rafiullah. An Indian crew member and the chief engineer from Myanmar were also killed, according to the welfare trust.
The Palau-flagged Honour 25 was hijacked by armed Somali pirates off the coast of Puntland, Somalia, on April 21, 2026. The vessel had 17 crew members, including 10 Pakistani sailors.
The pirates initially demanded a $3 million ransom for the release of the crew, vessel and cargo. The demand was subsequently reduced during negotiations, according to reports.
The Pakistani crew members remained in captivity for more than five months. During this period, their families appealed for government intervention and staged protests in Karachi seeking the safe release of the sailors. Reports also indicated concerns over shortages of food, drinking water and medicines aboard the vessel.
Pakistan pursued diplomatic efforts for the release of its citizens, including coordination with Somali authorities and international partners.
Rescue Operation
According to surviving crew members, Somali and Puntland security forces launched an operation to free the hostages. During the operation, the security forces confronted the pirates aboard the tanker.
Survivors said the pirates opened fire on the captive crew members while retreating from the vessel. Several sailors were injured, according to reports.
The surviving crew members later contacted the Ansar Burney Welfare Trust using the ship captain’s mobile phone and provided information about the incident.
The pirates also reportedly damaged the tanker’s steering system while leaving the vessel. A Somali naval vessel is towing the damaged tanker towards the shore.
Survivors and Repatriation
The surviving crew members are expected to receive medical assistance following their arrival at safety. Authorities are also expected to make arrangements for their return to Pakistan and for the recovery and repatriation of the bodies of the deceased Pakistani sailors.
The incident has renewed attention on maritime security and the risks faced by commercial vessels operating in waters around Somalia.