On 27 April, the Pakistani frigate PNS ALAMGIR provided vital assistance to a stranded Indian fishing boat in the Gulf of Aden.
During a routine anti-piracy patrol, PNS ALAMGIR encountered the fishing boat St Mary, whose 12-strong crew had been drifting in the busy seaway for eight days due to a gearbox failure. Over the course of the next 24 hours, ALAMGIR’s crew were able to fix the defect as well as provide much needed supplies.
On discovering the vessel, PNS ALAMGIR were invited on board to assess the defect. They found that several gearbox and shaft components had been worn away, requiring the defective parts to be removed for repair. While the repair was taking place, PNS ALAMGIR’s crew used the remainder of the day to provide medical assistance and restock their fuel and food supplies. The gearbox was reinstalled the following day and the grateful crew thanked the Pakistani warship and CMF before heading back towards their Indian homeport.
Rear Admiral Daisuke Kajimoto JMSDF, Commander CTF151, said: “While our primary mission is counter-piracy, we are always ready to assist seafarers in need; this incident is an example of the contribution of warships to safety and security at sea.”
Deputy Commander Combined Maritime Forces, Commodore Steve Dainton, Royal Navy, said: “I congratulate CTF 151 and the Pakistani frigate PNS ALAMGIR for a potentially life-saving intervention for the Indian fishing vessel. This is a great example of international collaboration in the name of maritime safety and security which is the foundation of the Combined Maritime Forces.”
PNS ALAMGIR has been deployed for over two months in support of CTF 151 operations; she now continues her counter-piracy patrol.
Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) 