KARACHI, September 29, 2026 — Three Pakistani sailors were among five crew members killed after Somali pirates opened fire on hostages while attempting to flee during a security operation to rescue the crew of the hijacked vessel Honour 25. Four other sailors were injured, including three Pakistanis, according to survivors and the Ansar Burney Welfare Trust.
Somali Security Forces Launch Rescue Operation
Somali and Puntland security forces launched a joint operation on Tuesday to free the crew members held by pirates. The operation led to an exchange of fire between security forces and the pirates.
According to surviving crew members, the pirates came under pressure and began retreating. They allegedly opened indiscriminate fire on the hostages before abandoning the vessel.
The three Pakistani sailors killed were identified as Second Officer Kashif Umar, Third Engineer Mahmood Ansari and boiler operator Rafiullah. An Indian crew member and the chief engineer from Myanmar were also killed.
Pakistani Sailors Contact Ansar Burney Trust
Surviving Pakistani sailors Hussain Yousuf and Imran Ali contacted the Ansar Burney Welfare Trust in Karachi using the ship captain’s mobile phone. They provided information about the rescue operation and the attack on the hostages.
The injured crew members included Usman, Aqeel, Ameen and an Indonesian national named Vicky. Four other sailors, including Yasir Khan, Hussain Yousuf, Imran Ali and Yaseen, escaped without injuries, according to reports.
Honour 25 Damaged During the Escape
The pirates reportedly damaged the steering system of the Honour 25 while fleeing, leaving the vessel unable to operate independently.
A Somali naval vessel has begun towing the ship toward the coast. Because of the vessel’s distance from shore, the journey is expected to take at least two days.
The Honour 25 was hijacked on April 21 while travelling between Oman and Somalia. There were 17 crew members aboard, including 10 Pakistani nationals.
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Pakistani Families Had Sought Release of Sailors
The families of the Pakistani sailors had spent months appealing to authorities for help in securing their relatives’ release.
Earlier in September, families had staged protests in Karachi after spending more than four months without a secure resolution to the hostage situation. Pakistani authorities had also pursued diplomatic engagement with Somali officials and international organisations over the case.
The pirates had reportedly demanded a ransom during the captivity. Reports said the initial demand of $3 million was subsequently reduced to lower amounts.
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