KARACHI: (DNA) – At least one naval airman was martyred on Friday as a Pakistan Navy helicopter crashed during a routine operational sortie on the Arabian Sea.

A rescue and recovery operation is underway, confirmed a Navy spokesperson after the incident. The reason for the crash has not been ascertained and an investigation is underway.

Earlier this month, Pak Navy successfully saved lives of sailors onboard fishing vessel “Muhammad Shah Bukhari”, which drowned off the Karachi harbour on August 12.

The successful operation was carried out when the boat drowned because of technical fault as soon as it entered in the harbour.

Pakistan Navy remains on full-time alert to ensure a safe maritime environment in the region as well as in the Indian Ocean.

The prompt action of the Navy to help the troubled fishermen reflects its professional capacity as well as its resolve to serve its people of the country, said a press release.