A Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) ship, patrolling Pakistan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), came into contact with eight Indian fishing vessels that were engaging in illegal fishing activities within the boundaries of Pakistani waters.
A Pakistani sailor was martyred and two Indian fishermen went missing at sea, the PMSA statement said on Thursday. To escape the Pakistani authorities, one of the illegal fishing boats started speeding back towards Indian waters. During the intense pursuit, the vessel remained out of the authorities’ reach despite warnings to halt.
“Eventually, the fishing vessel slowed down, allowing the PMSA ship’s boarding team to embark,” said the statement. “However, after PMSA personnel were on the 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 i.e. PMSA boarding team and fishermen, being thrown into sea.”
Following this, the fishing vessel sank and PMSA ship acted swiftly, rescuing five out of seven Indian fishermen and four of its own personnel.
“However, regrettably, one PMSA sailor, Muhammad Rehan, later embraced martyrdom while two remaining Indian fishermen are still missing at sea.”
