Pakistan Navy rescues 18 crew members, including foreign nationals

Pakistan Navy – (Web Desk) – The Pakistan Navy safely rescued 18 crew members — including several foreign nationals — from a merchant ship in the North Arabian Sea after receiving an emergency distress call, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations on Friday.

In an official statement, the navy said that PNS Hunain was dispatched for a search and rescue mission after the merchant vessel Gold Autumn reported trouble nearly 200 nautical miles off Pakistan’s coastline.

Rescue teams quickly reached the site, where specialists provided medical assistance, helped control the fire, assessed the damage, and ensured the safe evacuation of all crew members.

The rescued individuals — including citizens from China, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Indonesia — were brought to Karachi for treatment and will later be sent back to their home countries.

“Humanitarian assistance rendered by Pakistan Navy Ship at extended ranges off Pakistan’s coast reflects Pakistan Navy’s continued resolve and commitment for always being the first responder to maritime crisis situations in respective Area of Responsibility,” the ISPR said.

Last month, the Pakistan Navy launched Operation Muhafiz-ul-Bahr to safeguard national shipping and maritime trade amid rising regional security threats and potential disruptions to critical sea lanes.

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In a statement issued on March 9, the ISPR said that the initiative was undertaken to ensure the uninterrupted flow of national energy supplies and the security of Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs).

Apart from guarding the country’s maritime borders, the Pakistan Navy consistently engaged in humanitarian operations for the safety of life at sea, irrespective of nationality.