Tragic Pirate Attack Claims Lives of Indian Sailors in Somalia

Incident Overview

Dubai: A tragic incident unfolded off the coast of Somalia, where an Indian sailor was among five crew members who lost their lives due to a pirate attack on a hijacked fuel tanker. The Puntland Maritime Police Force successfully regained control of the vessel, MT Honour, following the assault. The Indian High Commission in Kenya expressed its sorrow over the death of the sailor, who reportedly died during the counter-piracy operation.

The High Commission confirmed that they are in contact with the family of the deceased and are providing assistance, including arrangements for the return of his remains. Fortunately, the remaining Indian crew members aboard the tanker are reported to be safe. This includes those on MT Sibu 1 and MT Eureka, both of which were recently rescued. MT Sibu 1, an Eritrea-flagged oil tanker, was freed after being held by pirates for over a month, while MT Eureka was released just days ago.

The High Commission emphasized its commitment to the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers, maintaining close communication with Somali authorities regarding their well-being and repatriation. According to reports from the Puntland Maritime Police Force, the attack resulted in the deaths of three Pakistani crew members, one Indian, and one from Myanmar. The police attributed these fatalities to the actions of the pirates but did not disclose further details about the circumstances surrounding the deaths.