18 crew members including Bangladeshis rescue by Pakistan navy in Arabian Sea

The Pakistan Navy has rescued 18 sailors, including Bangladeshis, from a commercial ship in distress in the North Arabian Sea. The Pakistan Navy said in a statement on Friday.

The statement said that a rescue operation was launched after receiving an emergency distress signal from the commercial ship MV Gold Autumn. The ship was located in the North Arabian Sea about 200 nautical miles (about 370 kilometers) off the coast of Pakistan. Apart from Bangladesh, the rescued sailors include citizens of China, Myanmar, Vietnam and Indonesia.

According to Pakistani news outlet Dawn, immediately after receiving the alert, the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) activated its Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) and started rescue protocols.

At that time, the Pakistan Navy warship PNS Hunain, which was patrolling in the area, was ordered to immediately assist MV Gold Autumn. A special team of the Navy reached the ship and helped in controlling the fire, assessing the extent of the damage and providing necessary medical assistance to the sailors. Later, all 18 sailors were safely evacuated.

The rescued sailors have been safely taken to Karachi. They are being provided medical care there. It has been informed that arrangements will be made to send them to their respective countries later.