An oil tanker bearing the name Owner 25 has been seized by pirates patrolling off the coast of Somalia, with its international crew held hostage. The attack happened on April 21 in the Gulf of Aden, an area known to harbor important sea routes. There are twenty-five people aboard the ship, with eleven being from Pakistan and currently in pirate hands. This abrupt development has stirred fear in the international shipping fraternity and worried the loved ones of the crew members aboard.
Government silence increases anxiety for families
Communication between official agencies and the crew members is yet to be established, resulting in increasing frustration and anxiety on the part of their families. According to reports, the Directorate of Ports under the Ministry of Maritime Affairs has not been able to contact the ship ever since its hijacking. Additionally, the organization handling the ship has not been forthcoming with any information regarding the fate of the sailors. Talking to local news sources, the family members said that the current negotiations are meant to secure the release of the Indonesian captain only.
Tracing the roots of regional maritime piracy
With time, however, the acts escalated into full-fledged crime syndicates that involved seizing big cargo ships to collect ransom. From 2005 to 2012, pirates are believed to have earned more than a few hundred million dollars from their exploits.
