Govt to bring home bodies of slain sailors: FO

ISLAMABAD:

The Foreign Office on Wednesday expressed condolences over the deaths of five crew members, including three Pakistanis, during an operation by the Somali maritime police to recover the hijacked vessel MT Honour 25 near Bandar Beyla.

The Foreign Office spokesperson said in a statement that the government was making every possible effort to ensure the transportation of the bodies of the deceased Pakistanis to the country and arrange medical treatment for the three injured Pakistani nationals.

The spokesperson confirmed that three Pakistani nationals Rafi Ullah Khan, Syed Kashif Umer and Mahmood Ahmed Ansari were among the casualties during the operation. He added that a Pakistani team at the Embassy in Djibouti is proceeding to Bandar Beyla to assist the Pakistani nationals.

"The Government and people of Pakistan extend their deepest condolences to the bereaved families. We share their grief at this painful time and pray for strength, patience and comfort for the families, and for the departed souls to rest in peace," the spokesperson said.

"Every possible effort is being made to ensure proper medical care for the injured, facilitate the transportation of the mortal remains of the deceased, and ensure the safe return of the surviving Pakistani crew members," the statement added.

"The Government of Pakistan, through its Mission and relevant authorities, remains in close contact with the Somali authorities and other concerned stakeholders," the spokesperson said.

The Palau-flagged Honour 25 oil tanker, with a 17-member crew, including 10 Pakistanis, was seized on April 21 around 30 nautical miles off Puntland's coast while sailing from Oman to Somalia. The tanker had 18,500 barrels of oil on board when it was hijacked.

Somalia's Puntland Maritime Police Force said in a post on X on Tuesday that it had "carried out a maritime operation off the coast of Dharin-baar, Bandar Beyla District", rescuing the MT Honour 25 oil tanker. During the operation, however, the pirates opened fire on hostages, killing five and injuring four others.