Somali Pirates Demand Sh394 Million Ransom for 10 Pakistani Sailors Held on Hijacked Tanker

Somali pirates are demanding a ransom of $3 million (approximately Sh394 million) for the release of 10 Pakistani crew members aboard the oil tanker MT Honour 25, which was hijacked off the coast of Somalia in April 2026.

The tanker was seized near Puntland while carrying 17 crew in total, including seven Indonesians, one Indian, and one Sri Lankan. The Indonesian crew includes the vessel’s captain.

Pakistan’s Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, disclosed the ransom demand during a parliamentary session, highlighting the ongoing negotiations that have yet to yield a resolution after more than three months of captivity.

Authorities in Pakistan have prioritized diplomatic channels, engaging with Somali officials and international partners to secure the sailors’ release. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has instructed officials to intensify these efforts.

The pirates’ demand has been a subject of conflicting reports, but the current figure stands firm at $3 million. Attempts to lower the ransom have been rejected, and concerns remain that paying could complicate future negotiations given limited Somali government control in pirate-held regions.

The hostages have communicated their plight in video messages, pleading for government intervention. Reports indicate shortages of food, clean water, and medicine aboard the tanker, underscoring the humanitarian urgency of the situation.

Complications surrounding the ownership of MT Honour 25 add another layer of difficulty to resolving the case. Meanwhile, Pakistani authorities remain committed to securing the safe return of all crew members.