A Pakistan Navy ship evacuates a Sri Lankan citizen in need of “urgent medical attention” onto an Indonesian-flagged merchant ship. Photo: Online
KARACHI:
Pakistan Navy on Friday rescued 18 crew members of a merchant ship after receiving a distress call in the North Arabian Sea.
According to a statement issued by the navy, “In a swift humanitarian operation, the Pakistan Navy successfully rescued and evacuated 18 crew members, including nationals of China, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Vietnam and Indonesia, following a distress call from the merchant ship (MV) Gold Autumn, operating in the North Arabian Sea 200 nautical miles (approximately 370 kilometers) off the coast of Pakistan.”
The statement said that upon receiving the emergency alert, Pakistan Maritime Safety Agency (PMSA) activated its Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) and quickly initiated response protocols.
“Accordingly, Pakistan Navy Ship Hunain, which was patrolling in the assigned area, was immediately tasked to provide assistance to the MV Gold Autumn,” he added.
He added that PNS Hunain carried out the search and rescue operation, demonstrating “professionalism and operational experience.”
“The Pakistan Navy ship team, comprising specialists, provided medical assistance, supported firefighting, conducted damage assessment of the ship and then rescued the 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, “the humanitarian assistance provided by the Pakistan Navy ship at long distances off the coast of Pakistan reflects the continued determination and commitment of the Pakistan Navy to always be the first to respond to maritime crises in the respective area of responsibility.”
The statement notes that this is not the first operation of this type carried out by the navy. Earlier this year, it successfully carried out the medical evacuation of a Sri Lankan citizen offshore, approximately 1,500 kilometers off the coast of Pakistan.
In 2024, the Navy carried out another humanitarian operation rescuing nine Indian sailors at sea, 167 nautical miles southeast of Karachi, despite tense relations between the two countries.
The navy not only rescued the Indian sailors but also provided them with technical assistance, medical facilities, fresh water and cooked food for the weary crew of the tugboat.
