Pakistan’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs has sought a detailed report following reports of a suspected hijacking of an oil tanker near the Somali coast, with Pakistani nationals reportedly among the crew.
According to an official statement, Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has taken notice of the incident and directed authorities to provide a comprehensive report on the situation.
Preliminary reports suggest that an oil tanker named “Owner 25” was allegedly hijacked by pirates near Somalia on April 21 in the Gulf of Aden. The crew is reported to include 11 Pakistani nationals and the vessel’s Indonesian captain, who are believed to have been taken hostage.
The ministry stated that it is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining contact with relevant departments, including Pakistan’s Foreign Office. Efforts are also underway to establish communication with Somali authorities to verify details and ensure the safety of the crew.
The name and ownership details of the tanker operator have not yet been confirmed.
Piracy incidents in the region have been reported in the past. In 2024, Somali pirates hijacked an Iranian fishing vessel carrying Pakistani crew members, which was later resolved with international naval assistance. Similar incidents in the Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters have involved coordinated rescue operations by regional and international forces.
Authorities in Pakistan have emphasized that all necessary diplomatic and consular channels are being utilized to confirm the status of the vessel and the crew members.
Further updates are expected as official verification continues.
