Wreckage of Missing Pakistani Cargo Plane Found; Five Crew Members Still Missing

Pakistani authorities have located the wreckage of a K2 Airways cargo plane that disappeared off the coast of Karachi, following an extensive 12-hour search operation.

The search efforts were significantly challenged by rough monsoon seas in the Arabian Sea, where the plane's debris was eventually found near Ormara, on Pakistan's southern coast. The aircraft, operated by K2 Airways, a private cargo airline, was on a domestic and international flight schedule.

Tragically, five crew members are still missing. The airline confirmed the missing individuals included two pilots, two engineers, and one support staff member. K2 Airways stated it is cooperating fully with the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority and other government agencies, expressing prayers for the safety of its colleagues. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended his condolences to the families of the crew.

The Boeing 737 cargo plane, which had been converted from a passenger aircraft manufactured in 1999, lost contact with air traffic control late Tuesday night. Aviation authorities reported that the plane had indicated a technical problem while flying over the Arabian Sea, west of its destination in Karachi. Radar data showed a rapid descent, followed by a loss of communication. Preliminary flight tracking data indicated an extremely steep and abnormal rate of descent, though experts caution against premature conclusions without further information.

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We continue to pray, earnestly, for the safety of our colleagues.