MOGADISHU — Five crew members were killed aboard a hijacked fuel tanker off Somalia before security forces retook the vessel, authorities in Somalia’s semiautonomous Puntland region said. The incident has renewed concern about piracy along the country’s coast after years in which attacks had fallen substantially.
Hijacked tanker retaken
The vessel, the MT Honour 25, was seized in April while carrying 17 crew members and approximately 18,500 barrels of oil. Puntland authorities said security forces recovered the tanker during an operation on Tuesday and detained 16 suspected pirates.
At least 11 other suspected pirates escaped and remained at large, according to the authorities. The vessel was subsequently placed under the protection of Puntland security forces.
Five crew members were killed
The Puntland Maritime Police Force said the victims included three Pakistani nationals, one Myanmar national and one Indian national. Four other crew members were injured during the operation.
The deaths add a serious human cost to a hijacking that had already kept the crew captive for months. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry expressed sorrow over the deaths of its citizens.
What happened to the crew
Authorities said the pirates had continued providing food to the crew during the period of captivity. Details surrounding the deaths and the circumstances of the recovery operation remain subject to investigation.
Investigators will need to establish when and how the crew members died and what occurred during the operation to retake the tanker.
Why Somalia piracy is back in focus
Piracy off Somalia’s coast declined sharply after international naval patrols, improved vessel security and cooperation between governments helped reduce attacks. The recent hijacking incidents have nevertheless raised concerns that maritime crime could be returning to the region.
The vast coastline, limited state capacity in some areas and the commercial value of vessels moving through nearby shipping routes create opportunities for criminal groups.
Another tanker was targeted earlier
Puntland authorities also responded to the hijacking of the MT Eureka in May. Officials said pirates eventually ran the vessel aground and abandoned it, while the crew was later confirmed safe.
The two incidents have increased scrutiny of maritime security around Puntland and Somalia’s wider coastline.
Why tanker hijackings matter
Oil and fuel tankers can be attractive targets because of their cargo, size and commercial value. A hijacked vessel can also disrupt shipping schedules and expose crew members to prolonged captivity.
International shipping companies generally use risk assessments, security procedures and communication systems when operating in areas where piracy has previously been a threat.
Role of Puntland security forces
Puntland authorities have developed specialised maritime-security capabilities to respond to piracy and other crimes at sea. Their forces have conducted operations against suspected pirates and worked with international partners.
The recovery of the MT Honour 25 demonstrates the importance of local enforcement capacity, but the number of suspects who escaped means the investigation is continuing.
International cooperation remains important
Commercial shipping through the western Indian Ocean involves vessels and crews from many countries. Effective anti-piracy operations therefore require cooperation among coastal states, shipping companies and international maritime-security organisations.
Information sharing can help identify suspected pirate networks, track vessels and coordinate responses when ships are attacked or hijacked.
Legal process for detained suspects
The 16 detained suspects are expected to face investigation and potentially criminal proceedings under applicable Somali law. Detention does not itself establish guilt, and authorities will need to present evidence linking individuals to the alleged hijacking.
What happens next
Authorities are expected to secure the tanker, interview surviving crew members and investigate the deaths. Police will also continue searching for suspects who escaped after the operation.
The incident is likely to keep maritime security agencies focused on Somalia’s coastline and may encourage shipping operators to review their security procedures in the region.
Read more international crime, maritime and accident coverage in our International News section.
Source: Associated Press and Puntland Maritime Police Force, September 30, 2026.
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