‘What comes next?’: Fear grips Pakistani families of Somali piracy victims
Summary
A cargo ship, the MT Honour 25, was captured by pirates off the coast of Somalia on April 21. Ten Pakistani sailors are among the 17 crew members held hostage, creating deep worry for their families back home. The families remain hopeful but face uncertainty about the sailors’ safety and release.Key Facts
- The MT Honour 25, an oil tanker, was hijacked by Somali pirates on April 21.
- The ship’s 17-member crew includes 10 Pakistanis, 4 Indonesians (including the captain), and one each from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and India.
- Ameen bin Shams, a Pakistani fitter on board, has been held captive for nearly two weeks.
- Ameen’s family lives in Karachi, Pakistan; his young daughter asks daily about him.
- Pirates initially allowed brief phone calls but contact has since decreased.
- Ameen’s last call was three minutes long; he urged his family to seek help from charities and the government.
- Another Pakistani sailor, Mehmood Ahmed Ansari, also part of the crew, has 30 years of experience at sea.
- The hostage situation has caused fear and uncertainty for the sailors’ families.
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