Pakistan Navy and the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) have successfully located the wreckage of a missing cargo aircraft in the Arabian Sea after an extensive overnight search operation. The aircraft, which disappeared on Tuesday evening while flying from Sharjah to Karachi, was found approximately 53 nautical miles south of the Ormara coast.
According to the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA), the aircraft lost communication with air traffic control during its journey, prompting an immediate search and rescue mission involving multiple military and maritime agencies. After more than 12 hours of coordinated efforts, naval and aerial teams discovered the wreckage and continue to search for the missing crew members while collecting evidence to determine the cause of the crash.
The rescue operation includes assets from the Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Air Force, PMSA, and several merchant vessels operating in the area. Sources confirmed that the naval warship PNS Zulfiqar and a Pakistan Air Force Saab surveillance aircraft were deployed to assist in locating the aircraft and supporting ongoing recovery efforts.
The cargo company confirmed that five crew members were on board the flight. They were identified as Captain Muhammad Rizwan Idris, First Officer Faisal Mehmood, Loadmaster Muhammad Taufiq, Engineer Arif Siddiqui, and Muhammad Hamid. Authorities have also sealed the company’s office at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, to preserve operational records for the investigation.
Flight tracking information revealed that the aircraft was flying at an altitude of 35,000 feet before it suddenly made a sharp turn and entered a rapid descent. Within minutes, it lost nearly 34,000 feet of altitude before disappearing from radar. Officials also confirmed that no Mayday distress call was received, suggesting the emergency developed too quickly for the crew to respond.
Authorities have launched a full investigation to determine the cause of the crash while recovery teams continue searching the area for crew members and additional evidence.
