Pakistan’s Foreign Office has confirmed that three Pakistani crew members were killed during a Somali operation to recover a hijacked oil tanker.
Foreign Office Spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of five crew members during the operation.
He said arrangements were underway to bring the bodies of the Pakistani victims and injured crew members back to Pakistan as soon as possible.
The spokesperson also confirmed that four crew members, including three Pakistanis, sustained injuries during the operation.
Pakistan Confirms Deaths of Three Crew Members
Sajjad Haider Khan said three Pakistani citizens were among those killed during the operation.
Meanwhile, four crew members were injured during the recovery effort, including three Pakistani nationals.
“Arrangements are being made to bring the bodies of the martyred Pakistanis and the injured back to Pakistan as soon as possible,” Sajjad said.
The Foreign Office has begun arrangements to facilitate the repatriation of the victims and injured crew members.
Pakistani Embassy Team Sent to Somalia
The Foreign Office spokesperson said a team from the Pakistani embassy in Djibouti had departed for Bandar Bela.
The team was sent to assist Pakistani citizens and coordinate the necessary arrangements following the deadly operation.
Its involvement comes as authorities work to facilitate the return of the Pakistani victims and injured crew members.
What Happened to MT Honour 25?
The development followed a Somali maritime police operation to recover the MT Honour 25 oil tanker.
Armed pirates had hijacked the vessel off Puntland on April 21.
Somali authorities said the vessel was recovered on Tuesday. However, the operation resulted in casualties among the crew.
The deaths and injuries were reported after Somali authorities carried out the operation to regain control of the vessel.
Efforts Underway to Repatriate Crew
Following the operation, the Ansar Burney Trust said the International Maritime Organisation had contacted it.
The organisation said the International Maritime Organisation assured cooperation in returning injured crew members and the bodies of those killed.
The Ansar Burney Trust said it remained in contact with relevant authorities, international institutions and the vessel’s crew.
It also said efforts were continuing to facilitate the return of injured crew members and the bodies of those who died.
For Pakistan, the immediate focus remains on bringing the bodies of the three deceased citizens home and assisting the injured crew members.
Authorities are now coordinating the necessary arrangements following the deadly recovery operation in Somalia.
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