Piracy off the coast of Somalia is again threatening crew safety and shipping operations, as conditions aboard the hijacked tanker Honour 25 worsen and international calls for action intensify. According to Splash247, the Palau-flagged vessel remains under pirate control more than two months after its seizure on April 24, 2026, with its 17 crew caught between rival armed groups and facing a critical humanitarian crisis.
Crisis aboard Honour 25
The latest communication from the master, reported by Splash247, confirms all 17 crew are alive, but five — including the master — are suffering from health problems. Food has been reduced to rice, and the available water is unsafe to drink. The crew are now caught between rival armed factions; pirates guarding the vessel exchanged gunfire with a rival group that attempted to approach, exposing the seafarers to immediate and unpredictable danger.
Broader piracy resurgence
The Honour 25 incident is not isolated. The crews of the Sward and Eureka continue to be held captive in similar conditions, according to the same source. Splash247 additionally reported two more attacks in the same region, underlining a resurgence of piracy in the Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden. The chair of the Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment, speaking on behalf of signatory states, warned that further delay in resolving these hijackings would increase risks to the lives and wellbeing of those onboard.
International response and call to action
The chair issued an urgent appeal directed at multiple stakeholders: the federal government of Somalia, the flag state (Palau), the shipowner, insurers, humanitarian organisations, regional partners, and the wider international community. The appeal called for intensified diplomatic, operational, and legal efforts to secure the immediate release of the crews.
The chair said the humanitarian situation had reached a critical stage and warned that further delay would increase risks to the lives and wellbeing of those onboard.
The statement also praised the IMO secretary-general for keeping the seafarers’ plight on the international agenda and commended the Pakistan High Commission in London for its engagement with flag state authorities, humanitarian partners, and international organisations.
Implications for shipping operations
For operators transiting the Western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden, this resurgence demands urgent risk reassessment. The following risks require attention:
- Crew safety: Hijackings directly endanger seafarers, with conditions aboard Honour 25 deteriorating rapidly.
- Insurance premiums: Piracy incidents typically lead to higher war risk premiums for vessels in high-risk areas.
- Route planning: Some operators may face pressure to reroute via longer, safer passages (e.g., around the Cape of Good Hope), increasing transit times and fuel costs.
- Security measures: Enhanced onboard security, including armed guards or fortified citadels, may become necessary.
| Vessel | Flag | Crew | Hijack Date | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honour 25 | Palau | 17 | April 24, 2026 | Under pirate control; crew in critical health with food/water shortages. |
| Sward | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Crew held captive in similar conditions. |
| Eureka | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Crew held captive in similar conditions. |
The above table summarises the known hostage situations, though full details for Sward and Eureka remain limited in the source.
Watch list
- Further attacks: Splash247 reported two additional attacks in the region, indicating an active pattern. The number of incidents may climb.
- International response: The effectiveness of the appeal by the Djibouti Code of Conduct signatories and the engagement of the IMO and individual states will determine whether the hostages are freed or more vessels are targeted.
- Flag state and shipowner action: The response of the Palau administration and the owner of Honour 25 will influence the timeline of a resolution.
- Crew welfare: As food and water stocks dwindle, the health of the Honour 25 crew will continue to deteriorate, requiring urgent humanitarian intervention.
