Pakistan Navy in coordination with Pakistan Maritime Security Agency has saved the lives of 9 Indian seamen at sea.
Director General Public Relations (NAVY), an Ocean Tug SAS-5 registered at St Kitts & Nevis was disabled for the last few days near the Indian coast at a position 167 NM South East of Karachi. “The tug suffered a failure of its electric generators and had no electrical supply”, it added.
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In the early morning of 04 Feb 24, the Pakistan Navy Joint Maritime Information and Coordination Center (JMICC) received a distress signal from the Ocean. The Tug began its voyage from the Indian port of Debhol at Maharashtra on 1st Feb 24 and was heading to Sharjah, UAE.
Upon receipt of information, the Pakistan Navy in coordination with HQ PMSA generated a response to initiate a Search & Rescue Operation to assist the stranded Tug.
Initially, PN Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft was tasked to locate the tug at sea followed by a Search and Rescue operation by Pakistan Maritime Security Ship (PMSS) KASHMIR which was deployed on routine Maritime Security Operations in the area, said statement.
Upon reaching the distressed Tug, PMSS KASHMIR secured the Tug alongside, and after three hours of strenuous repair efforts, the defect was rectified. Besides technical assistance, medical facilities, fresh water, and cooked meals were also provided to the fatigued crew of the Tug. Upon completion of the SAR operation, the tug successfully resumed its voyage toward the next port of call at Sharjah UAE.
The professional and timely response by PN & PMSA assets was highly acknowledged and lauded by the salvaged crew of the Tug.
