KARACHI: A Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) sailor was killed and two Indian fishermen went missing after a fishing boat was detected engaging in illegal activities in Pakistani waters, according to a PMSA spokeswoman on Friday.
According to the spokesperson, the PMSA ship was monitoring Pakistan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) when it came across around eight Indian ships involved in unlawful activities in Pakistani waters.
To evade capture, one of the fishing boats increased its pace and began sailing toward Indian waters. Despite warnings and urges to comply, the boat managed to elude capture during the chase.
“Eventually, the fishing craft slowed down and allowed the PMSA ship’s boarding party to board. However, when PMSA members were on the fishing vessel, the boat abruptly accelerated and changed its direction, thereby colliding with the PMSA ship,” said the spokesperson.
According to the statement, the fishing vessel capsized and sank, throwing everyone individuals onboard, including the PMSA boarding crew and fishermen, into the sea. The fishing vessel then sank in the same position.
“The PMSA ship intervened quickly to rescue five of seven Indian fishermen and four PMSA personnel. Unfortunately, one PMSA sailor, Muhammad Rehan, later accepted martyrdom, while two other Indian fishermen are still missing at sea,” according to the statement.
