Somali security forces have rescued the MT Honour 25 after pirates held the tanker for months off Puntland’s coast.
The Palau-flagged petroleum products tanker was carrying 17 crew members when pirates seized it on April 21. The crew included 10 Pakistani nationals.
Puntland security forces carried out the rescue operation, while authorities detained the pirates accused of holding the vessel. The suspects are expected to face court proceedings.
MT Honour 25 Rescued From Pirates
The tanker was seized around 30 nautical miles off the coast of Puntland on April 21. At the time, 17 crew members were aboard the vessel, including 10 Pakistanis.
The rescue brings an end to months of captivity for the crew members. According to Puntland’s state television, the pirates involved in the hijacking were arrested during the operation.
The detained suspects will reportedly be brought before a court. However, Puntland officials did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.
Pakistanis Were Among the Hostages
Ten Pakistani seafarers were among the crew members held aboard the MT Honour 25.
Pakistan had sought international assistance over the prolonged captivity of its citizens. Last month, Pakistan asked the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to intervene and help secure the release and safe return of the 10 Pakistani seafarers.
The sailors had remained aboard the tanker since its seizure in April. Their prolonged captivity had also raised concerns among their families and Pakistani authorities.
Puntland Steps Up Anti-Piracy Operations
The rescue comes shortly after another counter-piracy operation by Puntland authorities.
Last week, the regional maritime police force reported freeing the Sibu 1 tanker. Somali pirates had reportedly hijacked the vessel in August.
The latest operation highlights renewed efforts by Puntland authorities to tackle piracy along Somalia’s coastline. At the same time, piracy has resurfaced in the region after years of relative decline.
Somali Piracy Threat Returns
Piracy off Somalia has raised fresh concerns for ships travelling through the Gulf of Aden and western Indian Ocean.
Somalia previously experienced a major piracy wave between 2008 and 2014. During that period, attacks disrupted one of the world’s busiest shipping routes and imposed major economic costs.
The piracy crisis also resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in ransom payments. Consequently, renewed attacks have again drawn attention to maritime security in waters around Somalia.
For the Pakistani crew aboard the MT Honour 25, however, the latest operation represents a significant development after months of uncertainty. The rescue of the tanker and detention of the suspected pirates now shifts attention toward the crew’s safe return and the legal proceedings against those accused of the hijacking.
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