KARACHI: The Pakistan Navy rescued 18 fishermen from a sinking fishing boat near Ormara Coast.

The fishing vessel "Al-Rehman" which had sailed from Karachi on December 25 with 18 fishermen onboard lost propulsion as both of its engines became defective.

On receipt of distress message at Jinnah Naval Base Ormara from the boat that it was heavily flooded and would sink with 18 persons onboard if not rescued swiftly, a Pakistan Navy rescue team was promptly dispatched, said a press release of Pakistan Navy here on Sunday.

The Navy team faced heavy swells, strong chilly winds and extremely poor visibility throughout the operation. Commander Jinnah Naval Base personally oversaw the execution of the Search and Rescue Operation onboard the rescue craft.

After nearly three-hour of teamwork, all 18 fishermen were rescued from the sinking boat.

The rescued fishermen were severely dehydrated from the ordeal. They were brought to Pakistan Navy Jinnah Naval Base at Ormara and given medical care and much needed nourishment.

-APP