Humanity First: Pakistan Navy Assists 6 Indian Nationals Aboard MV Gautam in Arabian Sea

05/05/2026

ISLAMABAD, May 5: In a notable humanitarian operation, the Pakistan Navy, in coordination with the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency, provided emergency assistance to crew members aboard an Indian offshore tug and supply vessel stranded in the Arabian Sea due to a technical fault.

According to security sources, the incident began when the Maritime Rescue and Coordination Centre Mumbai reached out to Pakistani authorities, requesting urgent help after receiving a distress alert from the vessel, identified as MV Gautam. The ship was sailing from Oman to India when it reportedly suffered a mechanical failure, leaving it unable to continue its journey.

Responding swiftly, Pakistani maritime forces deployed PMSS Kashmir to the location of the stranded vessel. Upon arrival, rescue teams assessed the situation and immediately began providing humanitarian support to the crew, which included six Indian nationals and one Indonesian national. Assistance provided included food supplies, medical aid, and technical support aimed at stabilizing the vessel and ensuring the safety of those onboard.

Officials confirmed that support operations are still ongoing, with efforts focused on resolving the technical issues and ensuring the vessel can safely resume its journey or be escorted if necessary.

The operation highlights continued maritime cooperation in emergencies, even among countries with strained political relations, emphasizing the priority given to human life and safety at sea.

In a similar incident last month, the Pakistan Navy conducted another successful rescue mission in the North Arabian Sea, saving 18 crew members from the distressed merchant vessel MV Gold Autumn. The rescued individuals included nationals from China, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Indonesia, demonstrating Pakistan’s ongoing role in regional maritime safety and humanitarian assistance.