Somali pirates seize MT Honour 25 oil tanker off Somalia
Updated
Updated · Al Jazeera English · May 5
Somali pirates seize MT Honour 25 oil tanker off Somalia
5 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · May 5
The April 21 hijacking involved 17 crew, including 10 Pakistanis, and the Palau-flagged tanker is now anchored off Eyl in Puntland.
Families say contact has dwindled, food, water, fuel and medicines are running low, and Pakistan says Somalia is monitoring the case while no ransom demand has been confirmed.
The seizure is part of a renewed piracy surge, with at least three vessels taken since April 20 as naval patrols were diverted and higher oil prices increased tanker values.
As world powers focus on the Red Sea, is the age of Somali piracy back?
Are Houthi rebels now arming Somali pirates to disrupt global trade?
With supplies dwindling, can 17 hostages survive their government's inaction?
Resurgence of Somali Piracy in 2026: The MT Honour 25 Hijacking and Its Global Impact
Overview
Since April 21, 2026, the hijacking of the oil tanker MT Honour 25 off Puntland has highlighted a dangerous resurgence of Somali piracy, driven by a security vacuum created after international naval patrols were reduced due to conflicts elsewhere. The crew faces severe shortages of food and water, while their families express deep concern and frustration over limited government transparency. Economic hardship and illegal fishing devastate local livelihoods, pushing piracy as a desperate alternative embedded in coastal communities. Despite ongoing diplomatic talks and naval monitoring, weak governance and complex local politics hinder resolution. This crisis threatens vital global trade routes and energy markets, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated short-term and long-term solutions.