Crew Members Face Hunger and Illness
Pakistani crew members held hostage by Somali pirates have appealed for urgent government help.
A new video has emerged from the hijacked vessel MT Honour 25.
The footage shows the captives in worsening conditions.
The ship was hijacked near Somalia’s Puntland region on April 21.
It had 17 crew members on board.
Ten of them are Pakistanis.
Families of the hostages say the situation is becoming more dangerous with every passing day.
Second Officer Urges Immediate Action
In the latest video, second officer Syed Kashif Umar said the Pakistani crew had been held for 57 days.
He said the hostages had very little food.
He also said some crew members had fallen ill.
Kashif urged the government to secure their immediate release.
He claimed the ship owner was not willing to negotiate with the pirates.
He called on Pakistani authorities to pressure the company to begin serious talks.
The Indonesian captain also appealed to his government for help.
Talks Continue Without Breakthrough
The Foreign Office has said the government remains committed to bringing the Pakistani hostages home.
However, no crew member has been released so far.
Diplomatic sources say the vessel remains anchored off the Somali coast.
They said negotiations are still continuing.
Sources added that the Somali government is communicating with the pirates through the owner of Honour 25.
The pirates first demanded a ransom of $10 million.
They later reduced the demand to $4 million.
Still, no major progress has been reported.
Families of the Pakistani hostages have appealed to the government to increase pressure and ensure their safe return.
Piracy off Somalia was widespread during the 2000s.
It peaked in 2011.
The threat later declined after international naval patrols and stronger security steps by shipping companies.
However, recent attacks have raised fresh concerns for vessels operating near the East African coast.
