Pirates Seize Oil Tanker Off Somalia Coast, 17 Crew Members Taken Hostage
Published on Reflecto News | World News | Maritime Security
Pirates have hijacked an oil tanker carrying 17 crew members approximately 30 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia, marking a significant escalation in regional maritime insecurity as the vessel was carrying 18,500 barrels of oil . The attack, which occurred late Wednesday, April 22, 2026, has raised alarms in Mogadishu, where petrol prices have already tripled since the start of the US-Israel war with Iran .
The vessel, Honour 25, was overrun by six gunmen who boarded the ship late Wednesday, according to multiple security officials who spoke to the BBC . Five more armed men have since joined the attackers, reinforcing their control over the vessel .
Attack Details: 30 Nautical Miles Offshore
The tanker was attacked while sailing approximately 30 nautical miles off the Somali coast. It remains unclear how the pirates were able to intercept and take control of the vessel . Officials believe the hijackers set off from a remote area near Bander Beyla, a known launching point for pirate operations in the semi-autonomous Puntland region .
Under the control of the pirates, the vessel has been anchored close to the Somali shore between the fishing towns of Xaafun (Hafun) and Bander Beyla . This area has been identified in earlier maritime security warnings as a zone of elevated risk .
The Crew: 17 Seafarers from Six Nations
The crew of the Honour 25 consists of 17 individuals from six countries :
| Nationality | Number of Crew |
|---|---|
| Pakistan | 10 |
| Indonesia | 4 |
| India | 1 |
| Sri Lanka | 1 |
| Myanmar | 1 |
Sources: BBC, The Eastleigh Voice, The Maritime Executive
The vessel also reportedly has an Indonesian captain among the crew .
Ship Information: Honour 25
The Honour 25 is a small product tanker with a deadweight tonnage of approximately 3,000 DWT . It is registered in Palau and appears to have been operating ferrying fuel from the Middle East to Somalia . Its AIS data shows that it had departed from Berbera in the Somaliland district on February 20 and proceeded to the UAE, where it was last reported anchored at Khor al Fakkan, UAE, on the eastern/southern side of the Strait of Hormuz .
The vessel was carrying 18,500 barrels of oil at the time of the hijacking .
Why This Matters: A Resurgence of Somali Piracy
Piracy had almost disappeared in this stretch of the Indian Ocean for about three years, but it has since made a comeback, with fishing trawlers or container ships being targeted . Thursday’s seizure of a tanker headed for Mogadishu has heightened anxiety in the city, where petrol prices have already tripled since the start of the US-Israel war with Iran .
The attack comes at a time of heightened regional tensions and disruptions to shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz. Shipping lanes near the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait continue to face persistent threats, not only from Somali pirates but also from Houthis in Yemen, increasing risks for vessels operating in the region .
Response and Rescue Efforts
Pakistan’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs has confirmed the incident and initiated immediate steps to ensure the safe recovery of the crew . Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has sought a detailed report on the incident and directed relevant authorities to intensify rescue operations .
A ministry statement said the government remains in constant contact with all concerned agencies and is closely monitoring developments . The ministry has requested the Foreign Office to begin immediate diplomatic engagement, while efforts are underway to establish contact with the Somali government to secure the release of the Pakistani nationals onboard .
The European Naval Force, which oversees anti-piracy operations in Somali waters, has not yet released a statement on the hijacking .
What Comes Next
The hijacking has reignited fears over the security of shipping routes off the Somali coast, a region once notorious for high-seas hijackings . The incident highlights the complex threat environment facing commercial shipping in the region, where the resurgence of Somali piracy coincides with ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting key maritime chokepoints like the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait .
Negotiations for the release of the crew are reportedly underway, though no details on ransom demands have been made public . The outcome of this incident could signal whether Somali piracy is making a sustained comeback—or whether this remains an isolated event.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What ship was hijacked off the Somali coast?
The hijacked vessel is the oil tanker Honour 25, a small product tanker registered in Palau .
2. How many crew members were taken hostage?
Seventeen crew members were taken hostage. Their nationalities include 10 Pakistanis, four Indonesians, one Indian, one Sri Lankan, and one from Myanmar .
3. When did the hijacking occur?
The attack occurred late on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 .
4. Where was the ship attacked?
The vessel was attacked approximately 30 nautical miles off the Somali coast . It has since been anchored near the Somali shore between the fishing towns of Xaafun (Hafun) and Bander Beyla .
5. How many pirates were involved?
Six gunmen initially boarded the vessel on Wednesday. Five more armed men have since joined them, bringing the total number of attackers to at least 11 .
6. What is being done to rescue the crew?
Pakistan’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs has initiated steps to ensure the crew’s safe recovery. The government is in contact with relevant agencies and has requested diplomatic engagement with Somali authorities .
7. Is Somali piracy making a comeback?
Yes. Piracy had almost disappeared for about three years, but it has recently made a comeback, with fishing trawlers and container ships being targeted. The seizure of an oil tanker is likely to increase anxiety about this resurgence .
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