According to ISPR, the evacuated crew members have been transported to Karachi for medical treatment and subsequent repatriation to their home countries.
The Pakistan Navy rescued 18 crew members, including foreign nationals, from a merchant vessel in the North Arabian Sea after receiving a distress signal, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Friday.
In its statement, the military’s media wing said PNS HUNAIN carried out a search and rescue operation after a distress call was received from the merchant vessel Gold Autumn, which was operating in the North Arabian Sea, around 200 nautical miles (approximately 370 kilometres) off the Pakistani coast.
“The ship’s team of specialists provided medical assistance, supported firefighting efforts, conducted damage assessment, and successfully rescued the crew,” it added.
The crew members, including nationals of China, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Indonesia, were evacuated and shifted to Karachi for medical treatment and subsequent repatriation to their home countries.
The humanitarian assistance carried out by Pakistan Navy ships at extended ranges off Pakistan’s coast reflects the Navy’s continued resolve and commitment to always act as the first responder to maritime crisis situations within its 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 key sea lanes.
In a statement issued on March 9, the ISPR said the initiative was aimed at ensuring the uninterrupted flow of national energy supplies and securing Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs).
Alongside protecting the country’s maritime borders, the Pakistan Navy has consistently carried out humanitarian missions to safeguard lives at sea, regardless of nationality.
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