ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy on Saturday said it conducted a long-range medical evacuation operation in the Indian Ocean, rescuing a critically ill Sri Lankan sailor from a foreign-flagged cargo vessel operating far from the coastline.
According to a statement issued by the navy, the operation was launched after Sri Lanka’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Center sought urgent assistance for a crew member aboard MV Grey Palm, an Indonesian-flagged ship sailing deep in international waters.
The navy said its ships PNS Tabuk and PNS Moawin were dispatched as first responders and reached the vessel located about 800 nautical miles (around 1,500 kilometers) off Pakistan’s coast.
Naval medical teams evacuated the patient along with an accompanying attendant and provided emergency treatment onboard before coordinating further medical arrangements with Sri Lankan authorities.
The navy said the mission underscored Pakistan’s commitment to maritime safety and humanitarian assistance at sea, regardless of nationality or flag.
The operation follows Pakistan Navy’s recent humanitarian efforts in Sri Lanka, where naval personnel assisted with relief operations after severe weather caused flooding and landslides, helping evacuate stranded civilians and deliver emergency supplies.
