PMSA Rescues Nine Crew Members of Indian Cargo Vessel
In a significant act of regional maritime cooperation, the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) rescued nine crew members from the Indian cargo dhow Tajdare Haram on Tuesday, December 26. The vessel reported water ingress 120 nautical miles south of Karachi, prompting the crew to abandon ship and take refuge in a life raft.
The incident occurred around 11 a.m., and the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Mumbai sent a distress alert to PMSA. The PMSA quickly launched a Search and Rescue (SAR) operation, deploying an aircraft and directing nearby merchant vessels and PMSA ships to assist.
A PMSA aircraft located the survivors and coordinated their recovery with an Indian Coast Guard vessel operating in adjacent Indian waters.
Second Successful Operation in Three Weeks
This was the PMSA’s second successful cross-border rescue in less than a month. On December 4, the agency rescued 12 Indian crew members from the MSV Peeran-e-Peer after it sank in Pakistan’s exclusive economic zone.
The earlier operation also involved a coordinated response using PMSA assets and support from MRCC Mumbai. The survivors, stranded on a life raft, were safely rescued.
In a statement, the PMSA emphasized its commitment to maritime safety and regional cooperation. Operating under the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention, the agency prioritizes rescuing those in distress at sea, regardless of nationality.
“These operations underscore our dedication to saving lives at sea and fostering regional maritime cooperation,” said a PMSA spokesperson.
The PMSA’s swift responses and coordination demonstrate its ability to uphold international maritime obligations. By focusing on the safety of all individuals at sea, the agency builds trust and collaboration among regional maritime forces.
The successful rescue of the Tajdare Haram crew highlights the vital role of the PMSA in ensuring maritime safety and promoting humanitarian values. These operations save lives and reinforce the importance of international solidarity in addressing maritime challenges.
