Pakistan’s search teams have recovered debris from a cargo plane that crashed into the Arabian Sea after suffering a sudden loss of altitude during a flight to Karachi.

The wreckage was discovered after authorities spent around 12 hours searching the waters following Tuesday’s (July 7) crash. Large sections of the aircraft were seen being lifted from the sea, but officials said the main wreckage has not yet been located.

The Boeing 737, operated by K2 Airways, was carrying five crew members when it disappeared from radar. All five are feared dead.

According to Pakistan’s Airport Authority, the aircraft had departed from Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates and was en route to Karachi when the crew reported technical difficulties.

“K2 Airways B 737 of Pakistan Cargo Flight en route from Sharjah to Karachi reported Navigational system issue and was promptly guided by KARACHI ACC,” Pakistan’s Airport Authority said in a statement, according to VT.

Boeing plane crash in Pakistan
Just three minutes later, officials said radar detected a “sudden and dramatic loss of altitude” before all contact with the aircraft was lost.

The last available flight data placed the plane approximately 155 nautical miles west of Karachi over the Arabian Sea.

Flight tracking information showed the aircraft initially dropping roughly 5,000 feet in less than a minute before entering a catastrophic dive from 36,550 feet while traveling at a reported speed of 240 mph.

Search efforts remain ongoing, though authorities said rough conditions have complicated the operation. Officials also noted that the aircraft went down in waters estimated to be around 9,800 feet deep, meaning specialized equipment may be needed to recover the remaining wreckage.

“We continue to pray”
K2 Airways, a private cargo airline based in Karachi, confirmed the identities of the five crew members in a statement released Wednesday and said it is working closely with investigators.

The airline said it was “fully cooperating with the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority and other government agencies.”

“We continue to pray, earnestly, for the safety of our colleagues,” the statement said.

The Boeing 737 is the only aircraft currently operated by K2 Airways and entered service with the airline in 2024.

If the feared fatalities are confirmed, the crash would mark Pakistan’s first deadly aviation accident since 2020.