The Pakistan Navy has launched a humanitarian rescue operation in the Arabian Sea to assist a distressed merchant vessel carrying multinational crew, security sources said on Monday.
Emergency response after distress call
According to officials, Pakistan Navy personnel rushed to aid seven crew members aboard MV Gautam, including six Indian nationals and one Indonesian, after the vessel developed a technical fault while sailing from Oman to India.
The Maritime Rescue and Coordination Centre in Mumbai alerted Pakistani authorities and requested assistance after receiving the distress signal. In response, Pakistan deployed PNS Kashmir, a ship of the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency, to carry out the operation.
Security sources said the affected crew members are receiving immediate support onboard. “Pakistan Navy personnel are providing emergency assistance to six Indian and one Indonesian crew member aboard the MV Gautam,” they said.
They added that the crew is being provided with food, medical aid, and technical assistance while efforts continue to stabilize the vessel at sea.
Maritime cooperation and humanitarian role
Officials emphasized that the operation reflects Pakistan Navy’s commitment to maritime safety and international humanitarian obligations. Despite regional tensions, coordination between rescue authorities highlights the importance of cooperation in emergency situations at sea.
“Pakistan Navy remains fully prepared and committed to responding effectively to any emergency at sea,” security sources said.
The Arabian Sea serves as a vital shipping route for global trade, with thousands of vessels passing through the region each year. Maritime authorities often coordinate across borders to ensure safety, especially in cases involving technical failures or adverse weather conditions.
Track record of rescue operations
Pakistan Navy has carried out several rescue and evacuation missions in recent years, particularly in the North Arabian Sea. These operations often involve distressed merchant ships and fishing vessels, reinforcing its role in maritime security.
In April, the navy rescued 18 crew members from merchant vessel Gold Autumn after a distress call about 200 nautical miles off Pakistan’s coast.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), PNS Hunain led the operation. “The ship’s team of specialists provided medical aid, assisted in firefighting, carried out damage assessment, and successfully rescued the crew,” the ISPR said.
The rescued crew included nationals from China, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Authorities later transported them to Karachi for medical treatment and repatriation.
Such operations underline Pakistan’s expanding maritime response capabilities. Naval officials say they continue to enhance coordination with regional partners to ensure timely assistance in emergencies.
The latest rescue effort involving MV Gautam highlights the navy’s readiness to act swiftly, regardless of nationality, and reinforces its humanitarian mandate in one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors.
