ISLAMABAD, Dec 28: Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Shahid Karimullah, has extended the stay of PN Ships in Male for another three days to undertake rescue operations in view of the devastation caused in the Maldive islands by Sunday's natural disaster.

A press release issued by the Pakistan Navy said all the exercises and other operational commitments were stopped and the PN units were now only concentrating to help the local authorities.

Navy ships Nasr and Tariq, along with Sea King and Allouttee helicopters are fully prepared to provide rescue and search operation round the clock to help the affected locals and foreigners in Male, said the press release.

"A total of 367 tourists from Pakistan, USA, Germany, UK, Holland and many other countries were evacuated," said the Pakistan Navy. The PN said hundreds of survivors were recovered and provided first aid and meals on board the ships.

Moreover, PN ship Tariq recovered foreign nationals trapped around 100 nautical miles South of Male near Meenuatoll. PNS Nasr, said the press release, also established a medical camp at Male for the injured persons. Helicopters were being used to undertake search and rescue operations on different islands.