ISLAMABAD, Jan 24: Pakistan Navy divers have started search in the dangerous parts of Banda Aceh port in Indonesia which the other navies present in the area have been unable to undertake, a press release issued by the Naval Headquarters here on Monday said.
The press release said the navy divers had been asked by the Indonesian government to search and recover bodies from a capsized ship at the devastated port near Banda Aceh.
A contingent of the PN Special Services Group (SSG) has also undertaken clearing up operations in the Samalanga river channel and salvaged two boats and two wrecks.
The navy seals have also been called upon by the Indonesian authorities to recover bodies from a cement factory located near Banda Aceh, the most devastated area where approximately 100,000 people have died. So far, 12 bodies have been recovered from the rubble of the Andalas Cement Factory near Lhoknga.
The press release said due to prevailing insurgency threat in parts of Indonesia, relief operations were being conducted under tight security cover provided by the PN SSG and Pak Marines in cooperation with the Indonesian Army. According to the plans, the PN Expeditionary Force would stay in Indonesia till Wednesday for humanitarian assistance operations.
OUR REPORTER ADDS: The Pakistan Navy Expeditionary Force, comprising PNS MOAWIN and PNS KHAIBAR with embarked Seaking and Alouette helicopters and complete paraphernalia of a Naval Field Hospital, on arriving Lhoksemawe, an eastern port of Indonesia, has commenced humanitarian assistance operations.
Over 600 tons of relief goods have been dispatched to the affected areas in Lhoksemawe, Sigli, North Aceh and Bireuen in coordination with the local authorities. According to a press release, PN sailors and marines have commenced restoration work in basic health unit in Samalanga.
In addition to the refurbishment work, the PN ships would also be providing one month's medicines from its stocks to make the hospital operative. Pakistan Navy helicopters are also activity participating in the relief efforts and are being extensively utilized for insertion and ferrying of relief teams to inaccessible areas.
