MOGADISHU, Somalia — Pirates have seized an oil tanker off Somalia’s Puntland coast, with crew members reportedly taken hostage, officials and shipping sources said.
The vessel, identified as “Owner 25,” was attacked April 21 near Bandarbayla in Bari region while en route to Garacad port, authorities said.
The tanker carried a crew including 11 Pakistani nationals, though earlier reports suggested some crew members could also be Indian, leaving details unclear.
Shipping sources said there has been no direct contact with the crew since the hijacking, and the shipping agency involved has remained silent.
The ship was seized about 30 miles off Bandarbayla before being forced toward shore, and is now reportedly held in Dharinbaar area.
Families of the crew have urged authorities to take urgent action to secure their release, as negotiations are believed to be underway.
Residents and Puntland authorities are said to be applying pressure on the pirate group, raising chances the attackers could abandon the vessel.
The incident follows a similar March hijacking, when pirates released a fishing vessel after receiving ransom in the same Bandarbayla area, reports said.
Piracy off Somalia’s coast has declined from its peak but remains a concern, with more than 160 attacks recorded in 2011.
