The Pakistan Navy successfully rescued 19 crew members, including 11 Pakistanis and eight Iranian nationals, after their fishing vessel suffered an engine failure and became stranded in the North Arabian Sea.
The fishing vessel, identified as AL JALALI, encountered mechanical problems approximately 120 nautical miles south of Gwadar, leaving its crew in need of assistance amid challenging monsoon conditions.
According to the Pakistan Navy’s Director General Public Relations (DGPR), the rescue operation was coordinated through the Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre (JMICC) after information about the stranded vessel was received.
PNS Taimur Sent to Assist Stranded Crew
Pakistan Navy ship PNS Taimur reached the vessel and provided assistance to the fishermen. All 19 people aboard were reported safe.
The naval team supplied the crew with food and drinking water and provided medical assistance where required. Following the initial assistance, PNS Taimur safely towed the disabled fishing vessel towards shore.
The operation was conducted despite difficult weather and sea conditions associated with the monsoon season in the North Arabian Sea.
According to the Navy, the mission demonstrated its ability to respond to maritime emergencies and provide assistance to people in distress at sea.
Prime Minister Praises Rescue Operation
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended Pakistan Navy personnel involved in the mission following the successful rescue.
In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the premier praised the officers and sailors for providing timely support to the stranded fishermen.
He highlighted the provision of food, water and medical assistance to the crew and said the operation reflected the humanitarian role and professional preparedness of Pakistan’s armed forces.
The prime minister also noted the importance of maintaining readiness to protect lives at sea, particularly during emergencies occurring far from the coastline.
President Zardari Commends Pakistan Navy
President Asif Ali Zardari also praised the Navy for safely assisting the Pakistani and Iranian crew members.
The president described the timely response as an example of the Pakistan Navy’s professional capabilities and humanitarian responsibilities.
He said protecting people facing emergencies at sea reflects the Navy’s commitment to fulfilling both national responsibilities and broader maritime obligations.
Rescue Conducted Amid Difficult Monsoon Conditions
The location of the stranded vessel made the operation particularly significant. At around 120 nautical miles from Gwadar, the crew was far from immediate shore-based assistance when the engine failure occurred.
Monsoon conditions can further complicate maritime rescue operations through rough seas, stronger winds and reduced operational flexibility.
Despite these circumstances, PNS Taimur was able to reach AL JALALI, provide essential assistance and tow the vessel towards safety.
The rescue also highlights the importance of coordination between naval assets and organizations such as JMICC in responding to emergencies involving commercial and fishing vessels operating in regional waters.
Pakistan Involved in Recent Maritime Assistance Efforts
The latest operation follows several maritime rescue and repatriation cases involving Pakistani and Iranian nationals in recent months.
On June 17, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced that Pakistan had facilitated the repatriation of 30 Iranian nationals in two separate cases.
Eight of those individuals were Iranian fishermen who had been rescued at sea by the vessel MMA Valour. Another 22 were crew members associated with Lenore/Davina following its interdiction by U.S. authorities.
In another case announced on May 15, Pakistani authorities facilitated the repatriation of 11 Pakistani nationals and 20 Iranian citizens who had been aboard vessels seized by the United States in international waters.
Earlier in May, Pakistan also assisted with the return of 22 Iranian crew members from the Iranian container vessel MV Touska after the vessel had been seized by U.S. forces in the Gulf of Oman. Pakistani officials described that effort as a confidence-building measure between Washington and Tehran.
Maritime Safety Remains Key Responsibility
Pakistan sits along important shipping routes connecting the Arabian Sea with the Gulf and the wider Indian Ocean. Fishing boats, merchant ships and other vessels regularly operate across these waters, making maritime search-and-rescue capability an important part of regional safety.
The rescue of AL JALALI demonstrates this role, with assistance provided regardless of nationality to crew members facing an emergency at sea.
All 19 Pakistani and Iranian crew members were brought to safety, while their disabled vessel was assisted towards shore following the operation.