Hostage crew’s video surfaces after 26 days in Somali pirate captivity
In a new video, Yousuf, a Pakistani sailor asked the authorities for the release of hostages. PHOTO: VIDEO GRAB
A video showing 10 crew members of an Indonesian-flagged vessel held hostage by Somali pirates surfaced on Friday, sparking concern among their families and the public.
In the footage, one of the abducted crew members, Second Officer Hussain Yousuf, is seen appealing to the government for urgent assistance to secure the release of all hostages.
He is flanked by fellow Pakistani crew members as well as Indonesian colleagues, while armed pirates are visible in the background.
Speaking in the video, Yousuf said 26 days had passed since the vessel was seized, adding that the crew remained unaware of any progress in negotiations for their release.
Read More: HRCP expresses deep alarm over continued captivity of Pakistani crew by Somali pirates
He described worsening conditions on board, saying food supplies had been exhausted and the pirates were providing only small portions of rice once every 24 hours. He added that the crew was being forced to drink contaminated water from the ship’s tank.
صومالی بحری قزاقوں نے پاکستانیوں سمیت 17 یرغمالیوں کی نئی ویڈیو جاری کردی
یرغمالی پاکستانی شہری یوسف حسین کی حکومت پاکستان سے اپیل
یہ لوگ ابلے چاول اور ٹینک کا گندہ پانی پینے کے لیے دے رہے ہیں،بہت مشکل میں جلد سے جلد قزاقوں سے مزاکرات کریں ،ویڈیو میں بھاری اسلحے سے لیس قزاق بھی… pic.twitter.com/1IcDJ2jPCVHe urged the government and the shipping company to expedite negotiations to ensure their safe release.
Meanwhile, families of the abducted Pakistani crew members are said to be in severe distress, making repeated appeals to authorities for the safe return of their loved ones. The children of the hostages expressed hope of celebrating the upcoming Eidul Azha with their fathers.
The families have approached various government officials through the media and social platforms. Around two weeks ago, they met the Sindh governor in what was described as their first formal interaction with a government representative. The governor assured them of full cooperation and pledged to take up the matter with the federal government.
Earlier, the families staged a symbolic protest at the Native Jetty Bridge, briefly blocking heavy port traffic to draw attention to their plight. They also warned of launching a hunger strike if their demands were not addressed promptly.