KARACHI - The Pakistan Navy on Sunday successfully rescued a boat with as many as 20 crewmen on board stranded in open sea approximately 200 miles from Karachi.
The rescue operation was conducted following the PN Ship MADADGAR, while on a routine patrolling mission intercepted a distress call from a Karachi-registered fishing boat Al-Rehman, says a statement issued here by the Pakistan Navy.
The PN Ship immediately responded and informed Maritime Headquarters and Joint Maritime Information and Coordination Centre at Karachi.
Pakistan Navy immediately dispatched Frigate PNS ZULFIQUAR and Missile Boat PNS QUWWAT for search and rescue operation. On arrival at the scene, the boat's hull was found damaged and its engine was out of action. There were 20 fishermen onboard, seawater was continuously ingressing into the boat and it was gradually sinking. The PN ships rescued the sinking boat and safely towed it to Jinnah Naval Base Ormara, thereby saving lives of all 20 Pakistani crew members onboard.
The boat crew is in good health now and without any injuries. Pakistan Navy Coastal Command is providing all technical support at Ormara for defect rectification of the boat while also looking after the crewmembers.