Pakistani engineer missing after cargo ship attack

A Pakistani sailor, Hammad Obaida went missing after a ship he was working on reportedly caught fire while sailing from Oman, according to his family and sources.

Hammad, who was serving as the vessel’s third engineer, was reportedly in the ship’s engine room when the fire broke out. The vessel had 25 crew members on board, of whom 23 were rescued, while two, one Pakistani and one Indian national, remain missing.

According to information received by the family, the ship was reportedly hit while travelling along the route of the Strait of Hormuz. However, it has not been independently confirmed whether the vessel was struck by a missile or a drone.

Speaking to Dialogue Pakistan, Hammad’s brother, Fawwad Obaida, said Hammad spoke to their mother on the night of September 12. The following morning, on September 13, their doorbell rang and one of Hammad’s friends arrived at their home, informing the family that the ship had reportedly been hit and that Hammad was among the missing crew members.

Fawwad said the family has not received any official confirmation about whether Hammad is alive, injured or has died.

He said the family approached the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, government offices and other relevant authorities in an effort to obtain information about Hammad’s whereabouts, but claimed they had not received a clear response or adequate assistance.

Fawwad said the family had tried multiple channels to contact the authorities and had also lodged complaints with relevant departments, but had yet to receive a definitive update.

“We are doing everything on our own. The government of Pakistan is not cooperating with us,” he said, appealing to the authorities to at least take ownership of the case, contact the family and provide them with support.

According to the information available to the family, the exact nature of the incident remains unclear. While some reports suggested that the vessel was hit by a missile, it has not been confirmed whether the attack involved a missile or a drone.

Fawwad said the incident reportedly took place within Omani territorial waters. He added that the family remains deeply concerned about Hammad’s fate as they have not received confirmation of his condition.

Hammad has a three-year old young child, while his wife is currently pregnant, according to his brother.

The family has appealed to the Government of Pakistan to intervene, establish contact with the relevant authorities and help determine the whereabouts and status of the missing Pakistani sailor.