Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) Friday successfully ensured recovery of stranded crew members of Merchant Vessel SUVARI H during the conduct of joint assistance operation south of Karachi.

According to an Inter Services Public Relations statement, PMSA’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre received the report that Merchant Vessel (MV) SUVARI H which had sailed from Kandla, India for Bossasso, Somalia got stranded approx 180 Nautical Miles south of Karachi alongwith 18 crew members onboard at sea.

Pakistan Navy in coordination with PMSA, immediately tasked ships and aircraft to provide assistance to the stranded ship and save precious lives.

Pakistan Navy and PMSA aircraft, after arriving at the scene of the incident dropped life rafts to assist stranded crew at sea and coordinated their recovery through nearby Merchant Vessel MT ELAN VITAL. Up till now, 15 crew members have been recovered whereas 3 crew members are still missing.

Pakistan Navy and PMSA ships are also conducting search and rescue operations for the missing crew around the reported position.

Pakistan Navy, being the overall coordinator of NAVAREA IX, always accords priority to maritime safety and responds immediately to render assistance to the shipping community in distress at sea.