ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy rescued the fishing vessel Al Jalali, which was stranded about 120 nautical miles south of Gwadar in the northern Arabian Sea after an engine failure. The rescue operation ensured the safety of all 19 crew members, including 11 Pakistanis and 8 Iranians.
According to the Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR Navy), the rescue operation was coordinated through the Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre (JMICC).
The naval ship PNS Taimur provided food, drinking water and medical assistance before towing the vessel safely toward shore despite adverse monsoon conditions in the North Arabian Sea.
"The operation underscores the Pakistan Navy's readiness to safeguard lives at sea and respond swiftly to maritime emergencies," the navy said.
President, PM praise navy
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the Pakistan Navy for its rescue operation.
According to a statement issued by the President House on X, the president said the timely operation, which ensured the safe rescue of both Pakistani and Iranian nationals, reflected the Pakistan Navy's high professional standards and humanitarian commitment.
"The timely rescue of Pakistani and Iranian citizens is a practical manifestation of the Pakistan Navy's high professional capabilities and humanitarian spirit," the president said.
He added that protecting human lives at sea demonstrated the Pakistan Navy's strong commitment to fulfilling its national and international responsibilities.
PM's remarks
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the rescue operation and praised the officers and personnel involved for ensuring the safety of all 19 crew members.
"The Pakistan Navy personnel provided food, drinking water and medical assistance to the crew at sea, which is a practical demonstration of our armed forces' humanitarian spirit and professional training," the prime minister said.
"The successful rescue operation reflected the Pakistan Navy's commitment and constant preparedness to protect human lives at sea," he added.
The leadership's remarks came after the Pakistan Navy successfully rescued the fishing vessel Al Jalali, which had become stranded about 120 nautical miles south of Gwadar after suffering engine failure.
Recent rescue operations
Earlier this month, the Pakistan Navy, in coordination with the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA), rescued 20 crew members from a sinking cargo dhow operating east of Ormara after it developed severe flooding.
According to the DGPR, JMICC coordinated an immediate search-and-rescue operation following a distress call. Naval ship PNS Hunain and a Sea King helicopter were deployed, enabling the safe recovery of all crew members, who were subsequently provided medical care.
In June, the Pakistan Navy also provided assistance to the merchant vessel MV Gautam, carrying seven crew members, including six Indian nationals and one Indonesian, after it suffered a critical technical failure in the Arabian Sea while sailing from Oman to India.
According to DGPR, the distress alert was received from the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, Mumbai, following which the Pakistan Navy, in coordination with the PMSA, deployed PMSA Ship Kashmir. The crew was provided food, medical aid and technical assistance before the vessel resumed its voyage.
The navy said the operation reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to humanitarian assistance and its international maritime obligations.
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