India has condoled the death of an Indian sailor who was among the crew members killed after Somali pirates seized the tanker MT Honour 25.
The Indian High Commission in Kenya said it is in touch with the sailor’s family and is helping with arrangements to bring his remains back to India. The mission is also coordinating with authorities in Somalia over the safety and return of other Indian sailors.
MT Honour 25 was hijacked off the Somali coast in April and remained in the hands of pirates for months. Puntland Maritime Police Force later launched an operation to take control of the tanker and detained suspected pirates.
Five crew members were killed during the hijacking, including the Indian sailor. Three Pakistani nationals and a crew member from Myanmar were also among those killed. Four others were injured, including another Indian crew member.
Officials said the other Indian sailors on board the tanker are safe. Indian crew members aboard MT Sibu 1 and MT Eureka, which were also recently rescued, have also been reported safe.
The death has brought renewed focus on the risks faced by sailors working on commercial vessels in waters off Somalia, where piracy remains a threat to international shipping.
