The recent hijacking of the MT Honour 25 marks a significant resurgence in piracy off the coast of Somalia, with families of hostages calling for urgent government action. The vessel was seized on April 21, 2026, approximately 30 nautical miles from Somalia’s Puntland region.
Ayesha Ameen, whose husband is among the ten Pakistani sailors held hostage, expressed her despair: “How do you tell a three-year-old that her father is held captive and cannot come home?” Her words reflect the emotional toll on families affected by this crisis.
The MT Honour 25 has a crew of 17 members, including 10 Pakistanis, four Indonesians, and one each from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and India. The tanker was carrying approximately 18,000 barrels of oil when it was hijacked. Conditions on board have worsened, with low food and water supplies reported.
Families are urging the Pakistani government to take immediate action. They have called for the formation of a committee dedicated to securing the release of their loved ones. One family member, Mehmood Ahmed Ansari, said, “We are hijacked; reach out to the company, to people, to the government.” Yet frustration grows as many feel that the government’s response has been inadequate.
This incident is not isolated. Since April 20, at least three vessels have been seized off Somali waters. This marks one of the most concentrated bursts of piracy in years. The resurgence raises concerns about security in the region and its implications for international shipping routes.
Officials have not confirmed any ransom figures or specific demands from the pirates. The situation remains precarious as authorities work to address this alarming trend.
The MT Honour 25 is currently anchored off the coast of Eyl in Puntland. As families await news, they grapple with uncertainty and fear for their loved ones’ safety.