Dubai: A leisurely cruise turned into an emergency incident after a family’s boat hit a sandbank near Festival City.
The incident, according to Lieutenant-Colonel Ali Abdullah Al Naqbi, director of the Sea Rescue Department in Dubai Police, happened last weekend at around 8pm.
The family of four were crossing under Business Bay Bridge at the time of the accident, which left one family member with minor injuries.
After receiving first aid, the family member was transferred to the nearest ambulance centre.
Lt. Col Al-Naqbi explained that a marine rescue team, in collaboration with a team from port police, immediately rushed to the scene, where they found the boat stuck under Business Bay Bridge.
Residents were advised to take caution when sailing boats and not to approach rocky areas, and in the event of an emergency, to contact police on 999.
Safety equipment checklist
Are life jackets in good condition and are there enough for everybody?
Are life buoys in good condition and in their correct locations?
Are fire extinguishers in good condition, ready to use and easily accessible?
Check the meter on fire extinguishers.
Are distress signals in good condition, are they ready to use and are they easily accessible?
Do communication equipment operate properly?
All equipment on board are serviced according to manufacturer.
Are the anchor, knife, mobile and hand torch available on board.
Are the battery charging cable and trash bags on board.
Source: Dubai Maritime City Authority
Emergency numbers
Emergencies at sea are dealt with by the police and the coastguard.
Coast Guard Tel: 996
Police Tel: 999
The National Centre of Meteorology provides weather forecasts and warnings across the UAE, and it is strongly advised to check the conditions before venturing out.
The Dubai Coastal Zone Monitoring and Forecasting Programme provides weather and coastal measurements such as water and air levels, temperature, movements and speed.
