Pakistan Navy (PN) rescued all the 22 crew members of MV SUEZ, the ship released by Somali pirates, which had developed fault in Gulf of Aden. Operation Umeed-e-Nuh was initiated by Pakistan Navy, when Captain of MV SUEZ requested for assistance/escort, after release from Somali Pirates.
On the order of Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Noman Bashir, Pakistan Navy Ship BABUR, deployed on counter piracy operation in Gulf of Aden, was immediately tasked to provide all necessary assistance to PANAMA-flagged MV SUEZ. The ship had 22 crew members including 11 Egyptian, six Indians, four Pakistanis and one Sri Lankan. The operation was executed in two stages:
Stage-1
On 16 Jun 11, PNS BABUR commenced humanitarian assistance to MV SUEZ, which included transfer of Special Operation Force, Medical Teams along with medical stores and food provisions. While the operation was in progress Indian Navy ship GODAVARI arrived in the vicinity and tried to hamper the humanitarian assistance being provided by PN ship. Indian Navy ship GODAVARI also tried to contact master of MV SUEZ to offer support, which was declined by the master.
ON 16:22:40 Jun 11 when BABUR was escorting MV SUEZ to SALALAH, high speed pirate boat approached and closed MV SUEZ. PNS Babur fired warning shots at the incoming pirate boat and forced them to flee.
MV SUEZ having been in captivity for a period of 10 months had considerably detoriated operational and material state. Moreover, the crew onboard was weak and suffering from various ailments.
Pakistan Navy's SOF, Medical and Technical Assistance Teams remained onboard MV SUEZ to render all possible assistance. On 7 June, 100 NMs short of SALALAH, the ship's fuel exhausted and ship could no more continue with the passage. Ship's Master contacted concerned shipping agency for provision of fuel/assistance. Upon Masters request, ship owner arranged a tug for towing the ship to port of SALALAH. The tug arranged, developed a defect and towing plan was abandoned. PNS BABUR during all this time, remained in close vicinity of MV SUEZ.
Stage-2
On 19:13:30, Master of the vessel, having considered all options, requested Pakistan Navy for evacuation of his crew on humanitarian ground and to save lives at sea. Chief of the Naval Staff, approved the evacuation and PNS BABUR was tasked to undertake the operation in the face of rough weather. The evacuation of MV SUEZ crew has been completed and all 22 crew members are safely onboard Pakistan Navy Ship. The crew is planned to be transferred onboard another PN SHIP ZULFIQUAR for onward passage to Pakistan. PNS BABUR will resume her tasking for counter piracy in the Gulf of Aden.-PR
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