GWADAR — The Pakistan Navy successfully rescued 19 crew members from a fishing vessel that was stranded approximately 120 nautical miles south of Gwadar after suffering a critical engine failure, naval officials confirmed on Thursday.
The rescued crew consisted of 11 Pakistani and 8 Iranian nationals aboard the fishing vessel Al Jalali, which had been drifting in rough monsoon conditions in the North Arabian Sea.
PNS TAIMUR provided food, drinking water & medical assistance before safely towing the vessel towards shore despite adverse monsoon conditions in the North Arabian Sea. Operation underscores PN’s readiness to safeguard lives at sea and respond swiftly to maritime emergencies. 2/2 pic.twitter.com/NmAfGIVUq2
— DGPR (Navy) (@dgprPaknavy) July 30, 2026
Emergency Response & Rescue Operation
Following a distress signal, the Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre (JMICC) quickly coordinated with the Pakistan Navy to launch a search and rescue mission.
Naval ship PNS Taimur was deployed to the location to assist the stranded vessel and its crew amid difficult sea conditions:
- Humanitarian Aid: Navy personnel provided immediate medical attention, fresh drinking water, and food supplies to the crew while at sea.
- Vessel Recovery: After stabilising the situation, the Al Jalali was safely towed towards the coast.
- Multinational Crew: The timely operation ensured the safety of all 19 crew members — 11 Pakistanis and 8 Iranians.
Maritime Safety Track Record
Senior leadership praised the Pakistan Navy for its prompt response and commitment to international maritime safety obligations.
| Authority / Official | Key Remarks & Leadership Acknowledgment |
|---|---|
| President Asif Ali Zardari | Described the rescue of Pakistani and Iranian nationals as a demonstration of “high professional skills and humanitarian compassion.” |
| Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif | Commended the Navy’s preparedness and professionalism in protecting lives at sea. |
“The protection of human lives at sea is a testament to Pakistan Navy’s full commitment to its national and international responsibilities.”
— President Asif Ali Zardari
This marks the second major offshore rescue operation conducted by the Pakistan Navy in the region this month. Earlier, the Navy and the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) successfully rescued 20 crew members from a sinking cargo dhow east of Ormara.
