Pakistan Navy rescues 23 Iranian fishermen stranded in Gulf of Aden

RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Navy has rescued an Iranian fishing dhow with 23 fishermen onboard in the Gulf of Aden, a statement from the navy said on Thursday.

According to the official statement from Pakistan Navy, PNS Zulfiquar while deployed on a regional maritime security patrol responded to the distress call from Fishing Dhow AL Muhammadi, which was stranded over 1,200 nautical miles from its home port.

“Upon communication with the Pakistan Navy ship, the fishing dhow reported a seriously injured crew member as well as defective engine and requested for necessary assistance,” the statement noted.

The Pakistani ship responded swiftly and dispatched medical and technical teams to provide first aid to the fisherman who had injured his hand while repairing the boat’s engine.

Two more sick crew members were provided medical assistance, it said, adding that the ship’s team also repaired the boat’s engine. “In line with the national objective of ensuring peace and stability in the region, Pakistan Navy regularly deploys its assets on Regional Maritime Security Patrol,” the statement added. The humanitarian assistance operation displays Pakistan Navy’s unflinching resolve towards safety and security of seafarers plying in the Indian Ocean region, it concluded.