Dubai Coast: 8 fishermen saved after boat collides with cargo ship

• Three sailors sustained various injuries and were transported to Rashid Hospital.
• Marine rescue teams rescued the remaining five sailors.
• The incident highlighted the importance of weather alerts during unpredictable sea conditions.

In a late-night operation, Dubai Police conducted a rescue mission and airlifted the injured to Rashid Hospital in Dubai for treatment, after rescuing eight fishermen from the sea following a collision between their fishing boat and a commercial cargo ship. The impact on the vessel damaged the boat and injured three crew members.

Brigadier Dr. Hassan Suhail Al Suwaidi, director of the Ports Police Station, stated that the incident occurred late Saturday night when a commercial cargo vessel collided with a fishing boat carrying eight sailors heading towards Dubai’s fish market waterfront.

Collision impact:

“The impact of the collision forced the boat to drift two nautical miles before the cargo ship stopped, causing the fishing vessel to break apart,” noted Al Suwaidi, adding: “Three sailors sustained various injuries and were promptly transported by the Dubai Police Air Wing to Rashid Hospital, while marine rescue teams rescued the remaining five sailors.

“The cargo ship, due to its massive size, could not enter the port. Our marine rescue boats swiftly evacuated the sailors from the vessel and transferred them to the station despite challenging weather conditions and high waves caused by strong winds,” Al Suwaidi continued.

He cautioned sea-goers not to overlook weather alerts, particularly during this time of year when sea conditions can change rapidly, heightening the risk of accidents and potential drowning.

SOS button:

Dubai Police also issued a reminder to ship and boat captains to register for the ‘Sail Safely’ service available on the Dubai Police app. This feature enables them to input their voyage plan and destination, facilitating emergency assistance and location tracking as necessary. The service incorporates an SOS button for immediate distress signals.

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