GWADAR – At least 22 fishermen from Khojri village in Bannu remain missing after their fishing boat caught fire in Omani waters.
According to Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Maulana Naseem Ali Shah, the fishermen left Gwadar on September 6 to fish in the Arabian Sea near Oman. The vessel reportedly caught fire due to a malfunction in its compressor, causing it to sink.
One fisherman was rescued by the crew of a nearby ship. However, there is still no news regarding the remaining 22 individuals. Authorities and families continue to search for information.
The families of the missing fishermen are trying to contact the Pakistani embassy in Oman. They have expressed frustration at the lack of concrete updates and have urged both the Pakistani and Omani governments to take immediate action.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing, but with each passing hour, hope diminishes for the missing fishermen. The incident has sparked concern across Bannu and surrounding areas, highlighting the risks fishermen face while working in international waters.
Local authorities in Gwadar and Bannu have coordinated with Pakistani officials to facilitate communication with Omani authorities. Efforts are being made to track the vessel and locate the missing fishermen as soon as possible.
The families have made an emotional appeal to the government, asking for urgent assistance in rescuing their loved ones. Community leaders have also called for support and swift action to prevent such tragedies in the future.
This incident underscores the dangers faced by fishermen who work far from shore. Safety measures and emergency protocols are now being discussed to prevent similar accidents. The situation remains critical, and authorities are committed to continuing rescue efforts until all fishermen are accounted for.
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