KARACHI: Pakistan Navy (PN) on Monday rescued eight Iranian fishermen after their boat caught fire in the open sea, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

It said PNS Yarmook heard a distress call from the boat after it caught fire and took swift action in the open sea.

It said that on hearing the call, PNS Yarmook rushed to the spot and successfully rescued all the fishermen as well as played a role in extinguishing the fire on the boat on humanitarian grounds.

“The timely and successful rescue operation was an expression of Pakistan Navy’s determination to ensure the safety of human life at sea,” it added.

Iran praises prompt action by PN

The help from Pakistan prompted a message of appreciation from Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam.

“I would like to wholeheartedly appreciate Pakistan Navy for responding actively and conscientiously to the distress call of assistance from an Iranian fishing boat caught in an uncontrollable fire in the open sea and safely rescuing eight Iranian fishermen,” he said in a statement.

“Iran and Pakistan have a close mutual support and cooperation in rescue and humanitarian assistance operations in international waters through their vigilance and professionalism which was carried out this time by the Pakistan Navy. Iran and Pakistan have always remained committed to stand by each other in hard times during the history of the two brotherly countries,” he added.

Published in Dawn, March 26th, 2024