Prepares to introduce drones to aid search and rescue operations in coastal waters
KARACHI:
The unforgiving waters of the Arabian Sea, where fishing launches and merchant ships regularly face harsh winds and towering waves, are about to receive a new caretaker.
As accidents involving fishing boats and cargo ships continue to challenge maritime responders amid high winds and towering waves, Pakistan is preparing to introduce unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to transform search and rescue operations in its coastal waters.
The Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (KSA) has decided to integrate high-speed drones equipped with advanced cameras and sensors to monitor maritime emergencies, provide real-time situational awareness and assist rescue teams operating within a radius of 200 nautical miles, or about 360 kilometers.
MSA Deputy Director General Commodore Syed Nauman Ali said drones will play a pivotal role during accidents at sea, guiding operational teams, identifying exact locations and transmitting live video feeds from incident sites. The system will also allow responders to drop life jackets and float bags directly to people in difficulty in the water.
Until now, initial rescue efforts relied on low-capacity Defender aircraft, whose deployment depended on weather conditions, fuel availability and air traffic control clearance, often delaying operations at critical times. The new drone fleet, which is expected to become operational by the end of this year, aims to remove these constraints and enable faster and more flexible responses.
According to Commodore Nauman Ali, preparations for the project have been completed and the unmanned systems will soon be integrated into the agency’s maritime fleet.
Once deployed, the drones will immediately reach accident areas, transmit audio and video updates to command centers, and continuously guide rapid response boats and helicopters equipped with winching systems for human extraction.
The drones will also remain airborne above rescue sites to provide sustained operational support, allowing teams on the ground and at sea to coordinate movements with greater precision. Emergency kits, as well as flotation devices, can be delivered directly to people in distress while larger rescue resources are mobilized.
A drone, commonly called a drone, operates without an onboard pilot, instead relying on remote control, computer systems, or autopilot technology. These planes are guided via satellite and GPS links, with some capable of identifying a route autonomously.
They are equipped with high-resolution thermal cameras, allowing detection of heat signatures even at night, while radar sensors allow visibility in rain, darkness and high waves.
