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Pakistan Navy Helps Stranded Indian Ship in Arabian Sea After SOS Message
The MV Gautam, an Indian-registered vessel, suffered a generator-related power failure and drifted in the Arabian Sea. The Pakistan Navy deployed the frigate PMSS Kashmir to assist, providing food, medical aid and technical support, with help from the PMSA, after a distress call relayed by the Mumbai MRCC.
Why It Matters
The operation demonstrates regional humanitarian cooperation at sea and the role of maritime rescue coordination centers in facilitating cross-border assistance in distress situations.
Timeline
5 Events
May 4, 2026 – MRCC Mumbai relays information to Pakistan; ICG Rajratan investigates; vessel drifts
May 4, 2026
The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, Mumbai, relayed information to Pakistan authorities. The vessel began drifting east-northeast at about 1.5 knots, and by 8:45 pm it was about 262 nautical miles from Dwarka Lighthouse within the Indian SRR. Indian Coast Guard Ship Rajratan was deployed to investigate, and PMSA personnel boarded the vessel, determining the main generator was beyond repair.
May 3, 2026 – MV Gautam experiences total power failure
May 3, 2026
The Indian-registered cargo vessel MV Gautam suffered a total power failure due to a generator malfunction while en route from Oman to India, leaving it stranded in the Arabian Sea within the Pakistan Search and Rescue Region.
May 2026 – Gulf Times video of the rescue circulated
May 2026
The Gulf Times tweeted a video of the rescue mission showing a Pakistan Navy boat assisting MV Gautam's crew.
May 2026 – PMSS Kashmir deployed to assist MV Gautam; emergency aid and technical support provided
May 2026
Responding to the distress signal, the Pakistan Navy deployed the frigate PMSS Kashmir to carry out rescue operations and provide emergency assistance, including food, medical aid and technical support, to MV Gautam's crew. The Pakistan Maritime Security Agency assisted in the operation.
April 2026 – Pakistan navy says it rescued 18 crew from a merchant vessel in the northern Arabian Sea
April 2026
Last month, Pakistan said its navy had rescued and evacuated 18 crew members of a merchant vessel operating in the northern Arabian Sea after a distress call.