Pakistan Navy Rescues 20 Crew From Sinking Cargo Dhow Near Ormara

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy and the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency rescued 20 crew members from a cargo dhow that was taking on water east of Ormara on Thursday, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations.

The emergency unfolded after the vessel sent a distress signal reporting severe flooding. Maritime authorities moved quickly after the alert reached the Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre, triggering a coordinated response involving naval and maritime security assets.

Officials said PNS Hunain and aerial assets were redirected toward the troubled vessel to support the rescue mission. The operation was carried out in open waters, where time, visibility, sea conditions and the speed of flooding can make every minute critical for crews trapped on a disabled vessel.

The ISPR said all 20 crew members were recovered safely from the distressed dhow. The rescued sailors were identified as Pakistanis and were being provided medical attention after being brought to safety by the responding teams.

In its statement, the military’s media wing praised the conduct of the rescuers and said the operation reflected the readiness of Pakistan Navy and PMSA to respond to emergencies at sea around the clock. The statement also stressed that protection of life at sea remained a central responsibility of the country’s maritime institutions.

The incident comes at a time when Pakistan’s coastal waters have already been in public focus because of recent aviation and maritime emergencies near the Balochistan coast. Ormara, located along the Arabian Sea, is strategically important for naval movement, coastal monitoring and emergency response operations.

Cargo dhows remain an important part of regional maritime trade and coastal transport, particularly for smaller shipments moving between ports and coastal communities. However, these vessels can face serious risks when flooding, mechanical failure or rough sea conditions occur far from immediate shore-based help.

Pakistan Navy and PMSA have conducted multiple rescue and assistance operations in the Arabian Sea in recent months. In May, maritime teams assisted sailors on an Indian offshore tug and supply vessel, while in April the navy rescued 18 crew members, including foreign nationals, after receiving another distress call from a merchant vessel.

For Pakistan, the latest rescue highlights the value of maritime surveillance, quick coordination and well-positioned response assets along the country’s long coastline. Such missions are important not only for saving lives but also for maintaining confidence among fishermen, cargo operators and commercial crews operating in Pakistani waters.

Authorities are expected to review the circumstances that caused the dhow to flood and determine whether further recovery or safety action is needed. The successful rescue has prevented a potential maritime tragedy, but the episode again underlines the need for strong safety checks, communication systems and emergency preparedness at sea.