Pakistan rescues 18 crew members from distressed vessel after ‘emergency alert’ in Arabian Sea

The Pakistan Navy on Friday said it successfully rescued 18 crew members from a distressed merchant vessel in the North Arabian Sea in a coordinated maritime operation involving multiple agencies.

The rescue followed an “emergency alert” from MV Gold Autumn, which was operating about 200 nautical miles (approximately 370 kilometers) off Pakistan’s coast.

Authorities did not specify the nature of the alert.

The Pakistan Maritime Security Agency activated its Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) and launched emergency response procedures.

Pakistan Navy ship PNS Hunain, already patrolling in the area, was deployed to assist the vessel.

Naval teams carried out search-and-rescue operations, provided medical aid to injured crew, assisted in firefighting efforts, and conducted a technical assessment of the vessel’s condition.

The operation resulted in the safe evacuation of all 18 crew members, including nationals from China, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Vietnam and Indonesia.

Officials said the rescued individuals have been taken to Karachi for further medical care before repatriation to their respective countries.