Karachi — Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) demonstrated swift, coordinated rescue capabilities during the sea phase of Exercise Sea Guard 2026 in the Arabian Sea on Tuesday, executing high-stakes search-and-rescue scenarios that underscored the vital role of the Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre (JMICC) in safeguarding lives at sea.
Spectators aboard PMSA’s multipurpose vessel PMSS Kashmir witnessed a realistic drama unfold: a fishing boat named Debul stranded mid-ocean, its crew in a life raft after sending a distress signal. JMICC — the nerve centre linking 53 stakeholders including PMSA, Coast Guards, Customs, ANF, FIA, police, and Edhi Foundation — detected the alert and mobilised immediate response.
Opening Brief of Exercise SEA GUARD 2026 ⚓ 🇵🇰
Exercise SEA GUARD 2026 is a national level effort by Pakistan Navy involving maritime stakeholders from shipping, fishing, law enforcement & private sectors. Exercise includes scenario based activities, table top discussions and… pic.twitter.com/VtAPXtcbVT
— Pakistan Strategic Forum (@ForumStrategic) February 4, 2026
Key Highlights
- JMICC picks up distress signal from stranded fishing boat Debul.
- PMSA Defender aircraft locates seven survivors in life raft.
- Navy Alouette helicopter performs wet winching rescues.
- Fast response boats and PMSS Kashmir provide on-board medical aid.
- PMSA fast boats display dolphin manoeuvres.
- Over 2,000 lives saved by PMSA in last five years via JMICC coordination.
- Vessels Monitoring System (VMS) rollout for fishing boats in coming months.
- Exercise continues until February 9 with port security, counter-narcotics, and Gwadar protection drills.
PMSA’s Defender aircraft circled for search, reported back, and triggered a multi-agency operation. Some survivors were lifted by fast boats, others via wet winching from the Navy helicopter, with urgent medical care delivered on board PMSS Kashmir.
PMSA Deputy Director General Syed Nauman Ali highlighted JMICC’s centrality in connecting stakeholders for rapid action, crediting it for saving over 2,000 lives in the past five years. He noted PMSA’s responsibility over 840 nautical miles, supported by aircraft, helicopters, and boats, and praised close Navy collaboration — as seen when PMSA called in Alouette helicopters for the drill.
Nauman also announced upcoming enhancements: funding will soon install Vessels Monitoring System (VMS) on fishing boats to boost tracking and safety.
Exercise Sea Guard 2026, themed #TogetherForSaferSeas, runs through February 9 with realistic scenarios testing port/harbour protection, vessel safeguarding, counter-narcotics, search-and-rescue, and Task Force-88’s readiness for Gwadar security.
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These drills reinforce Pakistan’s maritime guardians’ unwavering commitment to protecting lives, trade routes, and national interests — ensuring safer seas for fishermen, traders, and every citizen reliant on the blue economy.
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