ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s navy on Thursday rescued all 20 crew members from a sinking cargo dhow off the country’s southwestern coast after the vessel issued a distress call while taking on water in the Arabian Sea, according to a statement released by the country’s military.
The country’s navy and maritime authorities play a central role in responding to emergencies along Pakistan’s coastline and busy shipping routes. The rescue comes a day after authorities launched a search operation following the crash of a K2 Airways cargo aircraft into the Arabian Sea.
“In a swift and coordinated emergency response, Pakistan Navy in coordination with Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) has successfully rescued all 20 Pakistani crew members from a sinking cargo dhow operating east of Ormara which was experiencing severe flooding,” the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations, said in a statement.
It said Pakistan Navy vessel PNS Hunain and aerial assets were diverted after the Joint Maritime Information Coordination Center received the distress call.
“All 20 crew members were safely recovered from the distressed vessel due to the professionalism displayed by the rescuers,” the statement said, adding that those rescued were receiving medical attention.
The military did not say what caused the vessel to take on water before the crew was rescued.
The military said the operation highlighted the navy’s and the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency’s ability to respond rapidly to maritime emergencies and ensure the safety of life at sea.
