MT Honour 25: Three Pakistani Crew Killed During Somalia Recovery

Islamabad – (Staff Reporter/Web Desk) – Pakistan has confirmed that three of its citizens lost their lives during the recovery operation of the hijacked vessel MT Honour 25 off the coast of Somalia. The Foreign Office shared the sad news on Thursday.

Speaking at his weekly briefing, spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said the country was deeply saddened. In total, five crew members died during the operation. Three of them were Pakistanis, and the other two were from other countries.

The spokesperson named the three Pakistanis as Rafi Ullah Khan, Syed Kashif Umer and Mahmood Ahmed Ansari.

Four more crew members were hurt in the operation, and three of them are Pakistanis. All of them are now getting medical care.

Khan said the survivors were first brought ashore at Bandar Beyla. They were later moved safely to Garowe, where the injured are being treated in hospital.

The crew had been held captive since April 11. The recovery operation was meant to free and bring back people from several countries, including Pakistan. Sadly, the effort came at a heavy cost.

“The Government and people of Pakistan extend their deepest condolences to the bereaved families,” the spokesperson said. He also prayed for the departed souls.

The government says it is in close contact with Somali authorities and other groups involved. Its goals are clear. It wants the injured to get proper care, the bodies to reach home, and the surviving crew to return safely.

Pakistani officials are also active on the ground. The deputy head of mission is already in Garowe and is in touch with the crew members in hospital. The bodies of the dead are also with Pakistan’s diplomatic team there.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s ambassador to Djibouti is travelling to Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, to help with the process.

A reporter asked how the bodies would be sent home. Khan said they would travel through Addis Ababa airport on Ethiopian Airlines, which runs a direct flight to Pakistan.

Weekly Press Briefing by the Spokesperson @kachosajjadFSP

On killing of three Pakistani sailors in Somali ship rescue operation + US current stance on Islamabad Memorandum pic.twitter.com/53JViHOya4

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 1, 2026

He could not give an exact date. He explained that the timeline depends on local rules and procedures, as well as the medical condition of the injured crew.

Even so, the spokesperson promised the government would not delay more than needed. He said the embassy and the government were keen to bring every Pakistani home.

“Those who are injured will be provided with proper medical treatment,” he said. “The bodies of the deceased Pakistanis will also be repatriated at the earliest.”

For the families, the wait is painful. They had hoped to hear that their loved ones were freed and safe. Instead, three households now face a deep loss, while others wait for news about the injured.

The case of MT Honour 25 shows how risky life can be for sailors working in dangerous waters. Many crew members work far from home, and their families depend on them.

For now, the focus is on three things: care for the wounded, a dignified return for the dead, and a safe journey home for those who survived. More updates are expected as officials share new details about the repatriation plan.