The Pakistan Navy rescued 19 crew members of a fishing vessel stranded in the Arabian Sea near Gwadar after an engine failure left the boat unable to move, according to an official statement issued on Thursday.

The vessel AL JALALI was carrying 11 Pakistani and 8 Iranian nationals when it developed a technical fault approximately 120 nautical miles south of Gwadar, leaving the crew stranded at sea.

The situation became critical as rough weather conditions during the ongoing monsoon season increased risks for the fishermen in the North Arabian Sea.

Following the distress alert, the Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre (JMICC) coordinated with the Pakistan Navy to launch an immediate search and rescue operation.

The Navy deployed PNS TAIMUR to assist the stranded vessel. The crew members were provided with essential supplies, including food, drinking water, and medical assistance, before the vessel was safely towed towards the shore.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the Pakistan Navy for its timely response and successful rescue operation.

President Zardari said the rescue reflected the Navy’s commitment to protecting human lives at sea and fulfilling its national and international responsibilities.