Pakistan Navy rescues 20 crew members as cargo dhow sinks off Ormara

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Navy and the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) on Thursday successfully rescued all 20 Pakistani crew members from a sinking cargo dhow in the Arabian Sea after the vessel developed severe flooding east of Ormara.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the rescue operation was launched immediately after the Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre received a distress call reporting that the cargo dhow was taking on water and in danger of sinking.

Responding swiftly, the Pakistan Navy diverted PNS Hunain along with aerial assets to the area, while the PMSA joined the coordinated rescue effort.

"All 20 crew members were safely recovered from the distressed vessel due to the professionalism displayed by the rescuers," the ISPR said, adding that all those rescued were Pakistani nationals and were being provided the necessary medical care.

The military's media wing said the successful operation reflected the Pakistan Navy's and PMSA's unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives at sea and maintaining round-the-clock readiness to respond to maritime emergencies.

The latest rescue adds to a series of humanitarian operations carried out by Pakistan's maritime forces in recent months.

In May, the Pakistan Navy and PMSA provided humanitarian assistance to the crew of an Indian offshore tug and supply vessel stranded in the Arabian Sea, while in April they rescued 18 crew members, including several foreign nationals, from a distressed merchant ship following another emergency call.