# Oil Tanker Freed From Somali Pirates In Puntland Raid After Five Crew Members Killed

> Security forces in Puntland have recaptured the hijacked tanker MT Honour 25 following months of pirate captivity, during which five crew members, including an Indian cook, were killed.

**Type:** article · **Category:** World · **Published:** 2026-09-30 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/world/puntland-men-samudri-luteron-ke-chngula-se-chhuta-tela-tainkara-bharatiya-kuka-mohammad-tanveeruz-zaman-sameta-pancha-karmiyon-ki--40671 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Puntland, Somalia, Pirates, MT Honour 25, Ministry of External Affairs, High Commission of India, Mohammad Tanveeruz Zaman, Oil Tanker

Security forces operating in Somalia's Puntland region have successfully reclaimed the commercial oil tanker MT Honour 25 from the grip of armed maritime hijackers. The vessel had remained under pirate control since April 2026 before Puntland security personnel executed a rescue operation on 29 September 2026 to end the prolonged hostage situation. Before the intervention could secure everyone safely, the captors killed five crew members aboard the vessel, with four other personnel suffering injuries during the violence.

## Tactical Raid Secures Tanker and Leads to Captures
The intervention was conducted by the Puntland Maritime Police Force, whose tactical teams stormed the vessel, regained physical control, and took several pirates into custody. Throughout the months of captivity, a total of 17 crew members were held aboard the tanker, the majority of whom were Pakistani nationals. According to FSUI, the five individuals slain prior to the vessel's liberation included three Pakistani citizens, one citizen from Myanmar, and one Indian national.

## Family Seeks Repatriation of Indian Cook
The Indian national reported killed during the ordeal has been identified as Mohammad Tanveeruz Zaman, who worked as the vessel's cook. His family members have stated that they have not yet received formal notification from the Indian government regarding his demise. In response, they have appealed directly to the Ministry of External Affairs and the High Commission of India in Kenya, urging authorities to expedite formal confirmation and arrange for the repatriation of his mortal remains to India.

## Diplomatic Verification Underway in East Africa
Addressing the developments, the High Commission of India in Kenya confirmed that it is actively liaising with the relevant Somali authorities to establish the exact status of the Indian crew member aboard MT Honour. Diplomatic officials noted that inquiries are actively proceeding to verify the reports surrounding the Indian national's death and ensure appropriate consular steps are taken.

## What this means for you
Hostage situations and violent pirate attacks along critical maritime corridors create severe safety risks for international seafaring crews and cargo operators.

- **Across India:** Families of seafaring professionals operating in high-risk foreign waters face heightened anxiety regarding physical security and emergency consular responsiveness. The incident underscores the critical need for robust diplomatic coordination during international maritime crises.
- **For Seafarers and Families:** Commercial mariners navigating regional pirate zones must operate under heightened defense protocols. Affected kin are left awaiting formal governmental confirmation and legal assistance to facilitate repatriation.
- **Global Shipping Routes:** Security operations and monitoring costs along the Horn of Africa are likely to face renewed operational scrutiny. Commercial operators must budget for higher maritime insurance and private escort arrangements in volatile zones.
- **Consular Networks:** Diplomatic missions in East Africa face complex jurisdictional hurdles when coordinating with regional authorities during maritime recovery operations. Clear confirmation channels are vital to managing casualty verification and consular assistance.

## Why this happened
The tragic event unfolded when regional maritime forces executed an assault to reclaim a commercial tanker held hostage by pirate factions off Puntland.

- **Prolonged Captivity:** The vessel MT Honour 25 had been under the hostile control of maritime hijackers since April 2026. The armed group held the vessel and its crew captive for months in coastal waters.
- **Tactical Assault and Retaliation:** The Puntland Maritime Police Force initiated a coordinated rescue operation on 29 September 2026. Facing imminent capture as forces closed in, the hijackers turned their weapons on the captives, killing five members before several pirates were arrested.
- **Vulnerable Maritime Geography:** Coastal regions near Puntland have historically seen pirate networks target commercial shipping traffic. Lax regulatory controls and instability in parts of Somalia continue to provide operating room for organized sea robbers.
- **Consular Verification Process:** While several attackers were apprehended on site, official verification regarding the Indian national remains underway through active diplomatic communication with Somali authorities.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. When was MT Honour 25 liberated from pirate custody?
Puntland security forces successfully retook the vessel on 29 September 2026.

### 2. How long had the tanker been held by pirates?
The commercial tanker had been held under pirate control since April 2026.

### 3. How many crew members were killed prior to the rescue?
Pirates killed five crew members aboard the ship just before the rescue operation was completed.

### 4. What nationalities were among the deceased crew members?
The deceased comprised three Pakistani nationals, one Myanmar citizen, and one Indian citizen.

### 5. Who was the Indian national aboard the vessel?
The Indian crew member was Mohammad Tanveeruz Zaman, who served as the ship's cook.

### 6. How many total personnel were onboard the hijacked tanker?
There were 17 crew members aboard in total, with the majority being Pakistani nationals.

### 7. What request has the Indian cook's family made to authorities?
The family has requested official confirmation of the death and assistance in bringing the body back to India.

### 8. What action is the High Commission of India in Kenya taking?
The High Commission is coordinating with relevant Somali officials to verify the status and reports regarding the Indian crew member.

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