Maritime Security Agency (MSA) on Wednesday rescued a scuttled fishing boat near Charna Island some 25 nautical miles off Karachi coast, fisheries officials told Business Recorder. "The boat captain sent an SOS to Karachi Fish Harbour Authority for help at about 10 am, on which the authority requested the MSA to rescue the scuttled boat," said an official.
He said the fishing boat - Bin Muhammad-II, bearing a registration number 16803-B was on its hunting tour close to a famous Charna Island when it scuttled. The boat had 21 crew aboard, whom the MSA rescued and brought back safely to the shore, he added. The MSA sailed its speedboat to the spot where the sea-hit fishermen were waiting for help, while Pakistan Navy's helicopter provided an aerial assistance during the rescue operation. The MSA also dragged the damaged boat to the Karachi coast, he said.
The official said the boat was operating in Karachi waters although it had been registered in Balochistan. The crew were local fishermen. APP adds: Pakistan Navy has rescued 21 fishermen onboard a fishing boat Bin Muhammad II near Churna Island in the Arabian Sea. A Pakistan Navy press release issued here said that upon receiving distress call from the fishing boat, Pakistan Navy immediately mobilised its three ships PNS Shamsheer, PNS Alamgir and PNS Zulfiquar along with two helicopters operating in the area to undertake search and rescue operation. The rescue team spotted the fishing boat and after hectic operation spanning over three hours, rescued all 21 fishermen onboard. The rescued persons were shifted to PN ship Alamgir where they were given necessary medical treatment and food.