Pakistan prepares to repatriate bodies of Three sailors killed in Somalia

Pakistan is preparing to repatriate the bodies of three Pakistani sailors who were killed during the hijacking of the oil tanker MT Honour 25 by Somali pirates.

The Palau-flagged tanker was hijacked off the coast of Puntland on April 21, 2026, while carrying 17 crew members, including 10 Pakistani nationals.

Puntland maritime security forces retook control of the vessel on September 29 following an operation that ended the months-long hijacking. Five crew members were killed during the ordeal, including three Pakistanis.

The three Pakistani nationals confirmed dead were identified as Rafi Ullah Khan, Syed Kashif Umer and Mahmood Ahmed Ansari.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s office said the bodies have arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where preparations are underway to transport them to Pakistan.

Ethiopian Airlines staff are reviewing the necessary arrangements before the bodies are cleared for transportation on a flight to Karachi, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

Meanwhile, four Pakistani sailors who survived the hijacking and were released are expected to arrive in Karachi on Sunday, according to their travel information.

Three other Pakistani crew members, along with the tanker’s captain, remain aboard the vessel. Pakistani officials said the government is engaging with other countries to facilitate their return.

The hijacking lasted more than five months. Five crew members were killed and four others injured while the vessel was held by the pirates.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Friday that each family of the three deceased sailors would receive 12.5 million Pakistani rupees, equivalent to about $44,000, as well as a house. He also pledged free education and healthcare for their children.

Mustaqbal