Overview
- Pirates seized an oil tanker near the Bab-el-Mandeb on April 21, with reports naming it Owner 25 or Honour 25 and saying 10 or 11 Pakistanis are among the hostages.
- After Monday's meeting with families, Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi said federal, consular, naval and maritime agencies are coordinating to secure their release.
- Families say captives described food running out and armed guards, and officials say the Somali-flagged vessel’s captain has stayed in touch.
- A viral plea said to be from a sailor has not been verified, and a rights lawyer said no formal ransom demand has been made.
- UK maritime monitors raised the regional threat level to substantial after the cargo ship Sward was seized on April 26 near Garacad, pointing to a broader resurgence of Somali piracy.