The Pakistan Navy has successfully carried out a dramatic medical evacuation of a Sri Lankan national requiring urgent treatment from an Indonesian-flagged commercial vessel approximately 1,500 kilometres (800 nautical miles) off Pakistan’s coast, officials said on Saturday. The mission was launched after the Sri Lankan Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) formally requested assistance for the critically ill crew member aboard the MV Grey Palm. Pakistan Navy teams aboard PNS Tabuk and PNS Moawin responded swiftly, reaching the high seas and safely transferring the patient and an attendant to the naval vessels.

The rescued Sri Lankan was provided immediate medical care on board, and Pakistani and Sri Lankan authorities—along with the patient’s family—expressed gratitude for the prompt humanitarian response. The Pakistan Navy said the operation highlights its operational readiness and longstanding commitment to saving lives at sea, regardless of nationality.