Pakistan Seeks Repatriation of Nationals Killed in Somali Tanker Operation
Five Crew Members Killed During Operation to Recover Hijacked Tanker
ISLAMABAD: (Staff Reporter) – Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan has expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of five crew members during an operation to recover a hijacked oil tanker. He confirmed that three Pakistanis were among those killed, while four crew members, including three Pakistanis, sustained injuries during the operation.
According to 24NewsHD TV channel, the spokesperson said arrangements were underway to bring the bodies of the deceased Pakistani nationals and the injured crew members back to Pakistan at the earliest possible opportunity.
Sajjad Haider Khan added that a team from the Pakistani embassy in Djibouti had departed for Bandar Bela to provide assistance to Pakistani nationals and coordinate the necessary arrangements.
The incident followed an operation by Somali maritime police to recover the MT Honour 25, an oil tanker seized by armed pirates off the coast of Puntland on April 21. Somali authorities announced that the vessel had been recovered on Tuesday, with reports confirming casualties among its crew.
Meanwhile, the Ansar Burney Trust said the International Maritime Organization had contacted the organisation and assured it of cooperation in facilitating the repatriation of injured crew members and the remains of those killed to their respective countries.
The trust added that it remained in contact with relevant authorities, international organisations and the vessel’s crew to coordinate efforts for the safe return of the injured and the repatriation of those who lost their lives.
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