Navy recovers bodies of 10 missing fishermen

At least 14 fishermen were reported missing last week after their boat overturned near Thatta

KARACHI:

The Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) and Pakistan Navy (PN) have recovered 10 of the 14 missing fishermen from the boat which sank last week, said a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). 

At least 14 fishermen were reported missing on Wednesday after the ill-fated boat overturned near Thatta. The boat, named Al-Asad, had a crew of around 45 fishermen, out of which 31 were rescued after the incident.

On March 5, a search and rescue operation was commenced by PN and PMSA. Despite challenging conditions, such as dense marine traffic, choppy seas, and the passage of time, the rescue team was able to recover the bodies of 10 fishermen who had been missing.

Read At least 14 fishermen missing after boat capsizes near Thatta

Upon receiving information, PMSS Rehmat was able to achieve major breakthrough in the search operation today, reports the press release of Directorate General PR of Naval Headquarters.

The recovered bodies were handed over to the concerned authorities. The four bodies that were recovered earlier were laid to rest today.

"The ongoing search and rescue operation by PN and PMSA is a clear demonstration of PN's commitment to providing assistance during any unfortunate incidents at sea"

Initially, fellow fishermen attempted to rescue those in distress, followed by coordinated efforts from the Maritime Security Agency, Pakistan Navy, and Fishermen's Cooperative Society. These efforts led to the successful rescue of 43 fishermen, while two remained missing, prompting continued search operations. They were fished out by another launch and dropped at jetty on Thatta coast.