Pakistan Moves to Repatriate Bodies of Three Sailors Killed in Somalia Tanker Rescue
The Foreign Office (FO) has announced that efforts are underway to bring back the bodies of three Pakistani sailors who were killed during an operation to rescue the hijacked tanker MT Honour 25 off Somalia‘s coast. The FO spokesperson, Sajjad Haider Khan, expressed condolences over the deaths and identified the deceased as Rafi Ullah Khan, Syed Kashif Umer, and Mahmood Ahmed Ansari.
Injured Sailors Receive Medical Treatment
Four other Pakistani crew members suffered injuries during the operation and are currently being treated at a nearby hospital. The FO said that Pakistan is maintaining contact with Somali authorities and other relevant parties through its diplomatic mission and concerned institutions. Efforts are focused on ensuring proper medical treatment for the injured sailors, arranging the return of the deceased crew members’ remains, and facilitating the safe repatriation of those who survived.
Background on the Hijacking
The Palau-flagged MT Honour 25 was hijacked on April 21, around 30 nautical miles from Puntland’s coast. The vessel was carrying 17 crew members, including 10 Pakistani sailors. According to the authorities, five crew members were killed before the rescue operation began. The dead included three Pakistanis, one Myanmar national, and one Indian national.
Ansar Burney Trust Calls for Action
Ansar Burney, director of the Ansar Burney Trust, confirmed the casualties and said his organization had repeatedly informed relevant authorities about the risks facing the crew. He called for the injured sailors to be brought home safely and urged authorities to ensure the bodies of the deceased were handed over to their families. Among those killed was second officer Kashif Umar, a Karachi resident who had spent nearly 25 years working in the merchant navy.
Pakistan Seeks International Assistance
Pakistan approached the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) last month, seeking assistance for the release and safe return of the 10 Pakistani seafarers aboard MT Honour 25. The latest development comes as Pakistan continues to work with international authorities to ensure the safe repatriation of its sailors and the resolution of this crisis.
Original Article: Pakistan moves to repatriate bodies of three sailors killed in Somalia tanker rescue — Com