Stranded tugboat ‘Mehr’ in Red Sea: Minister Zaidi authorises PNSC oil tankers to deliver ration

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Ali Haider Zaidi has authorised the PNSC oil tankers to slightly divert 50 nautical miles from its course to deliver 30 days ration, water and medical supplies to the crew, including six Pakistani nationals, on the stranded-tugboat Mehr in Saudi territorial waters off the coast of Jeddah.

In a statement, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs said, “Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) first had to seek permission from the Saudi Maritime & Port Authorities to provide assistance to the crew in distress”.

It further added that every possible effort was being made for the rescue of six stranded Pakistani nationals onboard the stranded tugboat, Mehr, in the Red Sea. Meanwhile, the sailors said they had pending eight months wages and preferred to stay onboard. As per the captain of tug, the owner has undertaken to rescue them in a couple of days.