Crew members rescued from five countries, repatriated to their respective countries after medical treatment
The Pakistan Navy on Friday rescued 18 crew members of a merchant ship after receiving a distress call in the northern Arabian Sea.
According to a statement issued by the Navy, “During a swift humanitarian operation, the Pakistan Navy successfully rescued and evacuated 18 crew members, including nationals from China, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Vietnam and Indonesia, following a distress call from the merchant vessel (MV) Gold Autumn, operating in the northern Arabian Sea, 200 nautical miles (approximately 370 kilometers) off the coast of Pakistan. »
The statement said that after receiving the emergency alert, the Pakistan Maritime Safety Agency (PMSA) activated its Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) and quickly initiated response protocols.
The Pakistan Navy successfully conducted a search and rescue operation in the northern Arabian Sea, rescuing 18 crew members of the MV GOLD AUTUMN after a distress call. Nationals from China, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Vietnam and Indonesia were recovered safely. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/shFIESB8qX
– DGPR (Navy) (@dgprPaknavy) April 10, 2026
“Accordingly, the Pakistan Navy ship Hunain, patrolling the assigned area, was immediately tasked to provide assistance to the MV Gold Autumn,” the statement added.
He added that PNS Hunain undertook the search and rescue operation, displaying “professionalism and operational expertise”.
“The Pakistan Navy ship’s team, comprising specialists, provided medical assistance, supported firefighting, assessed the ship’s damage and subsequently rescued the crew members,” the statement said, adding that the evacuated crew members were safely transported to Karachi for further medical treatment and subsequent repatriation to their respective countries.
Read: PN evacuates a sick Sri Lankan at sea
According to the statement, “the humanitarian assistance provided by the Pakistan Navy ship at long range off the coast of Pakistan reflects the continued determination and commitment of the Pakistan Navy to always be the first responder to maritime crises in the respective area of responsibility.”
The press release emphasizes that this is not the first operation of this type carried out by the navy. Earlier this year, she successfully conducted the medical evacuation of a Sri Lankan national on the high seas, approximately 1,500 km off the coast of Pakistan.
In 2024, the navy carried out another humanitarian operation by rescuing nine Indian sailors at sea, 167 nautical miles southeast of Karachi, despite tense relations between the two countries.
The Pakistan Navy not only rescued the Indian sailors but also provided technical assistance, medical facilities, fresh water and cooked meals to the tired crew of the tugboat.
