KARACHI: A Pakistan Navy helicopter provided assistance to a stranded Iranian dhow in the north Arabian Sea, 101 nautical miles off Ormara, on Thursday.

According to information released by Pakistan Navy, its personnel promptly launched a search and rescue operation after receiving information about the distressed dhow ‘Al Naeemi’ bearing the flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran with 13 crew members (all fishermen) on board.

The stranded dhow was located following rigorous search efforts in prevailing rough conditions in the open sea. The boat crew was dehydrated and also in need of medical care and edibles. A Pakistan Navy’s rescue team on board the helicopter provided the fishermen edibles and medicine.

Besides safeguarding maritime interests of Pakistan, Pakistan Navy has always been at the forefront to provide humanitarian assistance at sea.

Published in Dawn, June 22nd, 2018