ISLAMABAD: Pakistani authorities have launched a multi-agency search and rescue operation after a K2 Airways cargo aircraft carrying five crew members disappeared over the Arabian Sea after reporting a navigational system issue while en route from Sharjah to Karachi.
According to the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA), the Boeing 737 cargo aircraft reported a navigational system problem at 9:18pm Pakistan Standard Time (PST) and was immediately provided guidance by the Karachi Area Control Centre (ACC).
"At 2121 PST, the aircraft was observed on radar rapidly descending with a rapid heading change," the PAA said in a statement.
The authority said radar and communication with the aircraft were subsequently lost approximately 155 nautical miles west of Karachi.
Following the loss of contact, the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) was activated and a coordinated search and rescue operation at sea was launched involving multiple agencies.
Officials said the Pakistan Navy has deployed warship PNS Zulfiqar to the search area, while a Pakistan Air Force Saab aircraft and a Pakistan Navy ATR aircraft have joined the operation.
The Pakistan Navy ATR aircraft departed from Turbat to support the aerial search, while the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation's merchant vessel Lahore has also been deployed to assist in the rescue effort, according to official sources.
The PAA said there were five crew members on board the aircraft at the time contact was lost.
Authorities have not confirmed the location of the aircraft or the condition of those on board. Search and rescue operations remain underway in the Arabian Sea.
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