PMSA begins repatriation, humanitarian assistance of 8 Iranian nationals rescued at sea

The Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) has spearheaded the repatriation and humanitarian assistance of eight Iranian nationals who were rescued at sea by a British vessel, it said in a press release on Sunday.

The Iranian nationals had been rescued by the British vessel MMA Valour after their boat ran aground, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had said on Wednesday.

The PMSA said that efforts for the “necessary reception, documentation, medical screening and coordination for onward repatriation” were undertaken under its lead coordination.

Representatives from the foreign ministry, Pakistan Navy, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Consulate General of Iran and relevant international stakeholders were also present during the process, the PMSA said.

“The operation was conducted in close coordination with national and international stakeholders, reflecting Pakistan’s commitment towards humanitarian assistance, safety of life at sea and regional maritime cooperation,” the statement said.

PMSA noted that it was the only maritime law enforcement agency of Pakistan, and responsible for search and rescue operations in Pakistan’s maritime zones.

It expressed that it remained “fully committed to safeguarding human life at sea and coordinating timely assistance during maritime emergencies”.

In May, Pakistan — which is playing the role of mediator between the US and Iran amid the conflict in the Middle East — had facilitated the return of crew members from a US-seized Iranian vessel. The crew were part of a group of 22 people transferred to Pakistan following their release.