The government of Pakistan has announced a compensation package for the families of three Pakistani sailors killed during the recovery of a hijacked oil tanker off the coast of Somalia. The sailors, identified as Syed Kashif Umar, Mahmood Ahmed Ansari, and Rafiullah Khan, were among 10 Pakistanis aboard the Palau-flagged MT Honour 25. The tanker was hijacked by Somali pirates on April 21 and recovered by regional security forces on September 29 after more than five months in captivity.
The compensation package, announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's office, includes a payment of Rs12.5 million ($44,000) and a house for each of the families of the deceased sailors. Additionally, the children of the deceased will receive free education and healthcare from the government. The prime minister expressed his condolences to the families and assured them that the government would provide all possible cooperation and assistance during this difficult time.
The recovery of the tanker was a result of efforts by regional security forces, who detained suspected pirates and brought the vessel under regional government control. The tanker was recovered near Bandar Beyla, a coastal district in Puntland, Somalia. The incident highlights the risks faced by sailors and crew members who operate in the region, where piracy and armed robbery are prevalent.
Prime Minister Sharif also spoke with the son of one of the deceased sailors, Azhan Kashif, offering condolences and assuring him that the government was working to bring the bodies of the deceased sailors back to Pakistan as soon as possible. The prime minister directed the foreign ministry and other relevant authorities to remain in contact with the families and to coordinate with Somali authorities to expedite the repatriation of the bodies.
The incident resulted in the deaths of five crew members, including the three Pakistani sailors. The surviving Pakistani crew members are being brought back home, with four of them scheduled to return on Saturday, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The government is working to ensure the safe extraction and return of the remaining crew members who are still aboard the vessel.
The compensation package and the government's efforts to bring the surviving crew members back home demonstrate the country's commitment to supporting its citizens who are affected by such incidents. The incident highlights the need for continued efforts to combat piracy and armed robbery in the region, which can have devastating consequences for sailors and their families.
The government has directed authorities to continue taking all possible measures to ensure the injured Pakistanis receive medical care and the remaining Pakistani crew members return home safely. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced by sailors and the importance of international cooperation to prevent such incidents in the future.
Key points
- Pakistan to provide $44,000 and a house to families of 3 sailors killed during recovery of hijacked oil tanker off Somalia.
- The tanker was hijacked by Somali pirates on April 21 and recovered by regional security forces on September 29.
- The government is working to bring the surviving Pakistani crew members back home and to repatriate the bodies of the deceased sailors.
