Key Takeaways
- The Pakistan Navy rescued 19 crew members from a fishing vessel, including 11 Pakistanis and 8 Iranians.
- The rescue operation was initiated after the vessel's engine failed south of Gwadar during monsoon conditions.
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the navy for its humanitarian efforts.
The Pakistan Navy has successfully rescued 19 crew members from a fishing vessel, including 11 Pakistani and 8 Iranian nationals, who were stranded due to engine failure south of Gwadar. The incident occurred during the ongoing monsoon season when deteriorating weather conditions further jeopardized their safety.
In a statement, the Pakistan Navy said that the distressed fishing vessel Al Jalali was located approximately 120 nautical miles south of Gwadar. Upon receiving the distress call, the Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre coordinated with the navy to launch an immediate search and rescue operation.
The Pakistan Navy’s PNS Taimur was tasked with the rescue mission. The swift response ensured that the stranded crew members were provided with food, drinking water, and medical care at sea before being towed safely towards shore. This timely intervention prevented any potential loss of life in the North Arabian Sea.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the navy for its successful operation, stating that it reflected the armed forces’ determination to protect human lives at sea. He highlighted the provision of essential supplies as an example of the navy’s humanitarian efforts and professional training.
President Asif Ali Zardari also paid tribute to the Pakistan Navy, praising their rescue mission as a manifestation of high professional skills and humanitarian compassion. The president emphasized the importance of protecting human lives in line with national and international responsibilities.
This successful operation comes after earlier this month when the Pakistan Navy, in coordination with the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency, rescued all 20 crew members from a sinking cargo dhow operating east of Ormara.
