Pakistan Navy has successfully rescued nineteen crew members from a distressed fishing vessel stranded south of Gwadar after its engine failed. The operation protected vulnerable personnel trapped amidst severe weather conditions in the North Arabian Sea.
Naval authorities confirmed that the fishing vessel Al Jalali encountered severe mechanical failure approximately 120 nautical miles south of Gwadar.
“A total of 19 crew members onboard the vessel, including 11 Pakistani and eight Iranian nationals, were stranded at sea due to engine failure of the vessel,” the navy stated.
Officials added that “the situation was further aggravated by deteriorating weather conditions in the North Arabian Sea during the ongoing monsoon, placing the lives of the crew in immediate danger”.
The Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre promptly processed the signal sent by the distressed vessel and mobilized the naval fleet for an immediate rescue mission. Warship PNS Taimur rushed to the coordinates to deliver emergency relief.
According to official reports, “owing to the swift and timely response, crew members of Al Jalali were provided with food, drinking water, and medical care at sea, and the stranded vessel was thereafter towed safely towards shore”.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the naval forces, stating that the operation reflected the organisation’s absolute determination and preparedness to safeguard human lives at sea. State television PTV broadcast the premier’s appreciation as he highlighted that swift rescue action of Pakistan navy was a reflection of their humanity and professional training.
President Asif Ali Zardari also paid rich tributes to the personnel involved. “The rescue of Pakistani and Iranian nationals is a manifestation of Pakistan Navy’s high professional skills and humanitarian compassion,” he stated.
He further noted that “The protection of human lives at sea is a testament to Pakistan Navy’s full commitment to its national and international responsibilities.”
