Four-month-old baby yet to meet father after ship hijacking by Somali pirates

A group of 11 Pakistani crew members has been taken hostage by Somali pirates, prompting urgent appeals from their families for government intervention.

Among those held is Ameen bin Shams, a fitter aboard the vessel, whose family says they have not heard from him since receiving a distressing voice message last week.

In the recording, he described the crew’s capture and expressed fears for their lives, warning that it could be his final communication.

“We have been taken by pirates… I may not be able to speak again,” he said, urging his family to forgive him for any past mistakes and to pray for his safety. He also asked his loved ones to remain strong and to take care of his children.

The wife of Shams said, they have two young children, including a four-month-old son who has yet to meet him. According to his family, he left home on 9 December, shortly before the child’s birth later that month.

Relatives say contact with the crew has been minimal. In a subsequent message, the sailors reportedly stated that they were receiving food but remained uncertain about their fate, warning that conditions could deteriorate.

Family members have criticised what they describe as a delayed response from the Pakistani authorities. They claim they have reached out through multiple channels, including media interviews and public appeals, but have yet to receive meaningful engagement.

“There are not just 11 men involved — there are 11 families waiting,” one relative said. “We are citizens of this country. If we cannot turn to our own government, then who can we turn to?," the wife of the saikilor said.

The famiy has called for immediate action to secure the safe release of the hostages, expressing frustration that other governments appeared to respond more swiftly to the situation.

The families are now seeking firm assurances from officials, warning that hope alone is no longer sufficient as the situation remains unresolved.