Authorities in Puntland, Somalia, confirmed that five seafarers were killed on September 29 during an operation against local pirates. All vessels previously held in Puntland have been released, except for one that remains detained in a neighboring state. The deceased were crew members of the tanker Honour 25, which had been under pirate control since April 21. The Puntland Maritime Police Force reported that the victims included three Pakistanis, one Myanmar national, and one Indian. According to their account, the crew was killed by pirates before the government operation commenced.
Contradictory reports suggest that the crew was shot during a gunfire exchange between the pirates and Puntland forces, with some claims indicating that the pirates were attempting to surrender. Among the deceased were the chief engineer, second officer, and third engineer of the tanker. Additionally, four crew members were injured, including three Pakistanis and one Indian. The Puntland authorities apprehended 16 pirates, while others escaped inland.
In a separate incident, pirates holding the Togo-flagged vessel Eureka attempted to flee ashore, abandoning their crew of 12, who were subsequently handed over to local authorities. This marks the Puntland Maritime Force’s third operation in recent days, following the rescue of the Sibu 1. The authorities reported that 46 pirates were captured during these operations, and they are actively pursuing remaining suspects. Local leaders have committed to combating piracy, although some pirates reportedly managed to escape.
The Honour 25 and Eureka were both carrying oil products when seized, with reports suggesting that pirates siphoned and sold the fuel. Initial ransom demands for the Honour 25 were reported to be as high as $3 million but were later reduced. Puntland officials are emphasizing their ongoing efforts to combat piracy and maintain security along the coastline, calling for continued international cooperation. Notably, this incident marks the first fatalities among seafarers during piracy events in several years. Another vessel, the Asana, remains in captivity, anchored in the Galmudug state.
