Navy rescues 20 off Ormara: ISPR

RAWALPINDI:

Pakistan Navy, in coordination with the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA), rescued all 20 Pakistani crew members from a sinking cargo dhow off the coast of Ormara after responding to a distress call, the military's media wing said on Thursday.

In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the cargo dhow, operating east of Ormara, was experiencing severe flooding when a distress call was received at the Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre.

It said PNS Hunain and the required aerial assets were immediately diverted to carry out the rescue operation.

According to the ISPR, all 20 crew members were safely recovered from the distressed vessel due to the professionalism of the rescue teams and are being provided the necessary medical attention.

The ISPR said the successful operation underscored the Pakistan Navy's and PMSA's commitment to ensuring the safety of life at sea and their readiness to respond to maritime emergencies around the clock.

Earlier in April, the Pakistan Navy rescued 18 crew members of a merchant vessel in the North Arabian Sea after responding to a distress call.

According to the navy, the rescued crew included nationals of China, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Indonesia, while the operation was coordinated through the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency's Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre.