KARACHI: The Pakistan Navy and the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) along with many stakeholders of the Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre (JMICC) proved their prowess in danger and emergency situations during the sea phase of the Exercise Sea Guard 2026 in the Arabian Sea here on Tuesday.

There was the unfolding of drama, suspense and adventure before the spectators on board the PMSA’s multipurpose vessel PMSS Kashmir. Debul, a fishing boat was stranded in the middle of the ocean. Its crew was in a life raft. As soon as the JMICC picked up a distress signal from Debul, it acted swiftly. It was communicating with the PMSA whose Defender aircraft circled over the area during a search and rescue operation. Finding seven survivors urgently in need of help, it reported back to the PMSA to call its forces to saved them all.

Some were picked up by a fast response boat, some through the technique of wet winching, where they were lifted from the sea by the Pakistan Navy’s Alouette Helicopter. The ones needing urgent medical assistance were provided it on-board PMSS Kashmir.

More drills on the occasion included impressive dolphin manoeuvres by the PMSA’s fast response boats and speed boats.

Spectators on board PMSA vessel witness drama, suspense and adventure at Sea Guard 2026

Speaking to the media later, PMSA Deputy Director General Syed Nauman Ali stressed the importance of the JMICC, which serves as a nerve centre between as many as 53 stakeholders, including the PMSA, Pakistan Coast Guards, fisheries, Pakistan Customs, Anti-Narcotics Force, Federal Investigation Agency, police and the Edhi Foundation.

He said that the PMSA is responsible for safety and security of some 840 nautical miles for which they are lucky to have aircraft, helicopters, aircraft and boats. “We also collaborate with Pakistan Navy like we did during the rescue drill by calling in Navy helicopters,” he said, adding that they have actually saved more than 2,000 lives in the last five years thanks to prompt first information dispatched by the JMICC and swift coordinated action by them.

The official also informed that the PMSA is boosting its Vessels Monitoring System (VMS). “In a few months through some much needed funding, fishing boats in our waters will be installed with VMS,” he said.

Exercise Sea Guard 2026 will conclude on Feb 9 with the acting out of many more operationally realistic scenarios, including the protection of ports and harbours, safeguarding of sea-going vessels and critical maritime installations, counter narcotic operations and search and rescue at sea. It will also provide an opportunity to evaluate the combat readiness and operational effectiveness of Task Force-88, responsible for the security of the Gwadar Port.

Published in Dawn, February 4th, 2026