Sailors’ families protest as Somalia ship hijacking enters 23rd day

Demand govt action for safe recovery of 10 Pakistani crew members held by pirates

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Families of Pakistani crew members abducted by Somali pirates protest at Native Jetty Bridge in Karachi on Wednesday. SCREENGRAB

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Families of Pakistani crew members abducted by Somali pirates expressed grave concern on Wednesday over the lack of government action even after 23 days of the hijacking of an oil tanker, saying no concrete efforts were made for their safe recovery.

Speaking at a protest held on the Native Jetty Bridge, the affected families said they were unaware of any ransom demand by the pirates and had received no clear updates from the government regarding negotiations or rescue efforts.

“Our only demand is the safe recovery and return of our loved ones,” said one member from the protesting families, adding that the lives of the hostages remained in danger. They warned that if the prime minister did not take immediate notice of the situation, they would launch a hunger strike along with their children in the coming days.

Read: Somali pirates demand direct talks with Pakistan

A large number of women and children participated in the protest, holding placards bearing photographs of the abducted crew members and slogans demanding their release. The protesting families included the wives of several crew members.

Anjuman-e-Burhani Trust Chairman Ansar Burney also visited the protest site along with his family to express solidarity with the affected families.

The families said they had recently managed to speak with the abducted crew members, who reported deteriorating conditions aboard the vessel. “They told us their hope of survival is fading, food and water have run out, and their condition is extremely critical,” they said.

They demanded the immediate appointment of a government-level focal person, activation of diplomatic channels and urgent steps for the recovery of the hostages.

Speaking on the occasion, Burney termed the government’s response “highly indifferent” and said that although no official ransom demand had been made so far, efforts were being made through his charity to facilitate contacts at various levels.

He added that pirates had expressed willingness for direct negotiations with the government of Pakistan. He urged the prime minister to take immediate notice of the situation and ensure swift action for the safe recovery of the crew.

Also Read: 'We have no water left': Pakistani sailors held by Somali pirates appeal for help

The children of the abducted sailors made emotional appeals for the return of their fathers, uncles, and relatives before Eidul Azha.

The oil tanker, MT Honour 25, operated by an Indonesian-based firm, was hijacked off the Somalia coast on April 21. The vessel carries a 17-member crew, including 10 Pakistani nationals. The ship’s captain is from Indonesia.

The Pakistani crew members include Second Officer Syed Kashif Umar Naqvi, Second Engineer Syed Hussain Yusuf, Third Engineer Mahmood Ahmed Ansari, Fourth Engineer Usman Ghani, Seaman Aqeel Khan, Muhammad Yasin, Oiler Imran Ali, Rafiullah Khan, Yasir Khan, and Fitter Ameen bin Shams.