Hijacked oil tanker remains off Somali coast as ransom talks stall and families plead for action.
Image:The Straits Time
KARACHI: Nearly 40 days after being seized by Somali pirates, Pakistani crew members aboard an oil tanker remain in captivity as negotiations over their release continue without progress.
The vessel Honour 25 was hijacked on April 21 near the Somali coast, carrying 17 crew members including 10 Pakistanis, four Indonesians, one Indian, and one Myanmar national.
Diplomatic sources said the tanker is still anchored off the Somali coast while talks between the ship’s owner, pirates, and Somali authorities continue.
The pirates initially demanded $10 million in ransom before lowering the amount to $4 million, but no agreement has been reached so far.
Families of the Pakistani crew have expressed growing concern and urged authorities to intensify efforts for their safe return.
In a video message, the wife of one crew member said conditions on board were deteriorating, with reports of illness among those held.
Officials say Somali authorities are in contact with the pirates through intermediaries, but progress remains slow.
Piracy incidents in the region have increased recently, raising concerns about a possible resurgence of attacks in the Indian Ocean after years of relative decline.
No timeline has been given for the release of the hostages as negotiations continue.
