Somali Police Rescue Hijacked Oil Tanker Crew

Somali maritime police have rescued another hijacked oil tanker days after pirates escaped during a separate operation.

The Puntland Maritime Police Force said it stormed the Palau-flagged MT Honour 25 off Somalia’s northern coast on Tuesday, and the operation rescued all 17 crew members aboard the tanker. Police said the operation took place in the Dharin-Bar area of Bandar Beyla district.

“The naval and ground units of the Puntland Maritime Police Force conducted a planned operation in the Dharin-Bar area of Bandar Beyla district,” police said.

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The tanker was hijacked in April and had about 18,500 barrels of oil onboard, and the latest rescue comes following a sharp rise in Somali piracy.

At least 15 piracy attacks have been recorded since April, marking the highest level since 2013.

Puntland police have faced criticism over their response to the resurgence. Authorities have been pursuing three hijacked vessels off the Somali coast in recent days.

On Friday, the maritime police also rescued another oil tanker, Sibu 1; however, the operation faced a setback after 28 of the 41 pirates arrested escaped while being transferred to jail.

Several Puntland security officials have accused local police of helping the suspects escape. The Puntland police have not been reported to have confirmed the allegations.

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