Pakistan Navy rescues 18 crew members from merchant vessel in Arabian Sea

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Navy said on Friday it had rescued 18 crew members, including foreign nationals, from a merchant vessel in the North Arabian Sea after receiving a distress call.

According to a statement issued by the Pakistan Navy, the operation was launched after an emergency alert was received from MV Gold Autumn, which was operating around 200 nautical miles, or about 370 kilometres, off Pakistan’s coast.

The statement said the rescued crew included nationals of China, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Vietnam and Indonesia.

It stated, In a swift humanitarian operation, Pakistan Navy successfully rescued and evacuated 18 crew members, including nationals of China, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Vietnam and Indonesia, following a distress call from merchant vessel (MV) Gold Autumn, operating in North Arabian Sea at 200 nautical miles (approximately 370 km) off Pakistan’s coast.

The navy said that after the emergency message was received, the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency activated its Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre and began response procedures without delay.

Accordingly, Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) Hunain, patrolling in the assigned area, was immediately tasked to provide assistance to MV Gold Autumn, the statement said.

The statement added that PNS Hunain carried out the search and rescue mission and that its team included specialists who extended medical support, assisted with firefighting efforts and conducted an assessment of the vessel’s condition before the crew members were evacuated.

Pakistan Navy Ship’s team, comprising specialists, provided medical assistance, supported in firefighting, conducted damage assessment of the vessel, and later rescued crew members, the statement said.

The Pakistan Navy said the evacuated crew members had been brought to Karachi, where they would receive further medical treatment before being repatriated to their respective countries.

The evacuated crew members have been safely transported to Karachi for further medical care and subsequent repatriation to their respective countries, the statement said.

In its statement, the navy said the operation reflected its role in responding to emergencies at sea within its area of responsibility.

Humanitarian assistance rendered by Pakistan Navy Ship at extended ranges off Pakistan’s coast reflects the Pakistan Navy’s continued resolve and commitment to always be the first responder in maritime crisis situations in its respective area of responsibility, it added.