Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency managed to save the lives of nine Indian seamen whose tugboat had been stranded at sea. The boat was also fixed by Pakistani officials and has now resumed its journey.

In a statement, the Navy said that the tugboat was registered at St Kitts & Nevis and was stranded 167 nautical miles south east of Karachi.

“In early morning of 04 Feb 24, Pakistan Navy Joint Maritime Information and Coordination Center (JMICC) received a distress signal from the Ocean,” the statement said.

A Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft was tasked to locate the tug at sea followed by a Search and Rescue operation by Pakistan Maritime Security Ship Kashmir which was deployed on routine Maritime Security Operations in the area, according to the navy.

“Upon reaching the distressed Tug, PMSS KASHMIR secured the Tug alongside and after three hours of strenuous repair efforts the defect was rectified,” the navy said. The tugboat had lost electrical power prior to rescue.

The navy added that fresh water and cooked meals were also given to the crew and the ship was able to resume its journey towards Sharjah.