The General Directorate of Coasts and Border Security (Coastguard), in co-operation with the Emiri Air Force, has rescued 11 fishermen from drowning during the dust storm on Wednesday.
Director General of the General Directorate of Coasts and Borders Security Staff Brig (Navy) Ali Ahmed al- Badid said a group of 11 people, consisting of 10 Asians and an Arab, went out to the sea on Wednesday at 4pm on board a fishing boat after registering at the Coastguard centre. They headed to the east of Banana Island after informing the Department that they would return by 9.30pm.
As the fishermen didn’t return on time, the Coastguard issued warnings about the weather conditions and asked them to return quickly. They reportedly ignored the warnings and promised to return soon, according to the official statement.
However, an hour later a call was received from the vessel in-charge seeking assistance. Brigadier al-Badid said that the wind speed was exceeding 45 knots at that time.
On receiving the SOS from the fishermen, two patrols from the directorate moved to the location based on some sketchy information provided by the inmates of the boat. But the Coastguard personnel found it difficult to locate the place even after two hours of search.
As searching became difficult owing to the stormy sea, new instructions were issued to carry out operations near the south of Wakrah.
The Coastguard informed the ‘National Shield’ about the situation and four patrol vessels were dispatched for the rescue operations. They located the area after some extensive search but the fishing boat could be found only hours later.
Two more patrols, one each from the Eastern Area Department and Southern Area Department were sent along with two helicopters from the Emiri Air Force to conduct an aerial survey of the area.
At dawn, the rescue team could locate nine persons. The search continued for several hours until the remaining two were found in a vast area spread over 20 km. The men were found near the northwest of Hala Dalma and moved to the beach where first aid was provided.
The General Directorate of Coasts and Border Security has advised fishermen and other sailors to register at the Coastguard centres before they ventured out to sea. It also asked them to go through the weather report before undertaking any trip.
A rescued fisherman being administered medical aid on Thursday morning.
