Initial footage surfaces showing the crew of a stolen oil tanker held captive by pirates.

The initial footage has emerged from an oil tanker captured by pirates near the Gulf of Aden, depicting hostages, including Pakistani crew members, confined on the ship.

Reports indicate that the tape seems to have been captured by one of the pirates, depicting the captive crew assembled within a hall on the vessel. Some captives were observed resting, while others exhibited signs of anxiety as they sat silently.

Pakistani nationals, presumed to be among the abducted individuals, were seen in the video alongside crew members of other nationalities.

Relatives of the abducted Pakistanis residing in Karachi reported that they recognised their family members in the clip, intensifying apprehensions for the safety of the captives.

Family members have urged the authorities to enhance initiatives for the prompt retrieval of the crew and guarantee their safe return.

The development occurs eight days subsequent to the vessel’s hijacking. The Governor of Sindh met with the families of the abducted crew members a day prior and assured them of assistance.

The release of the tape has rekindled focus on the hostage crisis and intensified demands for prompt diplomatic and security measures.