Pakistani sailor martyred after fleeing Indian fishing boat collided with PMSA ship

A sailor belonging to Pakistan Maritime Security Agency was martyred while two Indian fishermen went missing after a fleeing Indian boat collided with a PMSA ship and capsized in the Arabia Sea, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Friday.

The Indian boat carrying eight fishermen attempted to escape after it was caught fishing illegally in Pakistani territorial waters in the Arabian Sea.

According to a PMSA statement, an Agency ship while patrolling Pakistan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) spotted eight Indian fishing vessels engaged in illegal fishing well inside Pakistani waters.

After seeing the PMSA patrolling ship approaching, one of the Indian fishing boats hit the top gear in a bid to evade capture and tried to escape towards the Indian waters but Pakistani ship managed to stop it after multiple warnings.

The PMSA statement said “Eventually, the fishing vessel slowed down, allowing the PMSA ship’s boarding team to embark. “However, after PMSA personnel were on board the Indian fishing vessel, it suddenly accelerated speed and altered its heading, thereby colliding with the PMSA ship. Consequently, the fishing vessel capsized and sank with all personnel on board ie PMSA boarding team and fishermen, being thrown into sea.”

Subsequently, the Indian fishing vessel sank in which pushed the PMSA ship to act swiftly, which led to rescue of five out of seven Indian fishermen and four PMSA personnel, the PMSA statement said, adding “However, regrettably, one PMSA sailor, Muhammad Rehan, later embraced martyrdom while two remaining Indian fishermen are still missing at sea.”

The Agency further said search and rescue operation for the two missing Indian fishermen was in progress.

The bravery and sacrifice of the PMSA sailor who lost his life in the line of duty is a sombre reminder of the risks involved in operations at sea, the statement remarked.

The PMSA said legal proceedings had been initiated against the Indian fishermen for that reckless and unlawful behaviour at sea and illegal fishing in Pakistani waters.

Reporter: Shahrukh Shah