A boat of the Pakistan Navy evacuates a Sri Lankan citizen requiring ‘urgent medical attention’ on an Indonesian-flagged merchant vessel. Photo: Online
KARACHI:
Pakistan Navy on Friday rescued 18 crew members of a merchant vessel after receiving a distress call in the North Arabian Sea.
According to a statement issued by the navy, “In a swift humanitarian operation, Pakistan Navy successfully rescued and evacuated 18 crew members including nationals of China, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Vietnam and Indonesia, following a distress call from Merchant Vessel (MV) Gold Autumn, operating in North Arabian Sea at 200 Nautical Miles (approximately 370 kilometres) off Pakistan’s coast.”
The statement said that upon receiving the emergency alert, the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) activated its Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) and promptly initiated response protocols.
“Accordingly, Pakistan Navy Ship Hunain, patrolling in assigned area, was immediately tasked to provide assistance to MV Gold Autumn,” it added.
It further said that the PNS Hunain undertook the search and rescue operation, demonstrating “professionalism and operational expertise”.
“Pakistan Navy Ship’s team, comprising of specialists, provided medical assistance, supported in firefighting, conducted damage assessment of the vessel and later rescued crew members,” the statement said, adding that the evacuated crew members were safely transported to Karachi for further medical care and subsequent repatriation to their respective countries.
According to the statement, “Humanitarian assistance rendered by Pakistan Navy Ship at extended ranges off Pakistan’s coast reflects Pakistan Navy’s continued resolve and commitment to always being the first responder to maritime crises in the respective area of responsibility.”
The statement noted that this was not the first such operation by the navy. Earlier this year, it successfully conducted the medical evacuation of a Sri Lankan national on the high seas, approximately 1,500km off Pakistan’s coast.
In 2024, the navy carried out another humanitarian operation by rescuing nine Indian seamen at sea, 167 nautical miles southeast of Karachi, despite strained relations between the two countries.
The navy not only rescued the Indian seamen but also provided them with technical assistance, medical facilities, fresh water and cooked meals to the fatigued crew of the tug.
