Pakistan Navy sea king helicopters successfully rescued crew members from a sunken Iranian dhow in North Arabian Sea on Saturday.
Upon receipt of information about the distressed dhow (AL RAMANI) bearing flag of Islamic Republic of Iran, the Pakistan Navy promptly responded and launched a search and rescue operation. Two Pakistan Navy sea king helicopters were immediately directed to search, locate and rescue distressed boat crew.
Helicopters equipped with search and rescue gear along with paramedical staff swiftly reached deep sea area in shortest possible time and conducted an aerial search for the fishing boat. After rigorous search efforts, survivors were located by helicopter crew. The operation was amicably augmented by Pakistan Navy Ship NASR, which was already patrolling in the sea.
In a very short span of time, survivors were recovered onboard sea king helicopters and necessary first aid was rendered. The survived crewmembers thanked the Pakistan Navy for the prompt response. The rescue operation lasted for about one and half an hour resulting in safe recovery of all Iranian crewmembers to Pakistan Navy Air Base, PNS Mehran in Karachi.
Finally, the salvaged Iranian crew was handed over to the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency.
Published in Daily Times, June 10th 2018.
