QUETTA – Security forces, aided by local communities, successfully rescued more than a dozen fishing boats and their crews trapped in the Arabian Sea by high tides triggered by Cyclone Shakhti. The cyclone’s effects have placed coastal areas, including Karachi and the Makran coast, on high alert.
The 13 fishing boats were stranded in deep waters off the coast of Ormara when they were caught by the severe weather conditions. Officials from the fisheries department confirmed the success of the operation, stating, “All the 13 boats and the stranded fishermen were rescued,” with no casualties reported.
High Alert and Inter-Agency Coordination
In response to the approaching storm, the Balochistan government has issued a high alert advisory, urging all fishermen to avoid venturing into the rough sea and stay away from the coastline.
Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries Haji Barkat Rind specifically appealed to the fishing community to exercise “extreme caution” and avoid deep waters between October 4 and 6, underscoring the government’s support for the community. “Fishermen are the backbone of Balochistan’s economy, and the government stands firmly with them,” he said.
Provincial Secretary for Fisheries Tariq Qamar Baloch detailed the comprehensive preparedness, noting that all field officers have been placed on high alert and the department is coordinating closely with the Pakistan Navy, Levies Force, and local administration to monitor the situation.
The successful recovery of the stranded vessels was attributed to a joint operation launched by emergency marine rescue teams, local fishermen, and volunteers, who utilized heavy machinery and loaders. Authorities continue to stress the importance of public safety, urging citizens to strictly comply with advisories and avoid unnecessary visits to coastal areas during this critical period.
