Abu Dhabi: The UAE capital's marine emergency hotline number received as many as 324 calls this year, officials disclosed on Sunday.
The calls were mostly related to breakdowns, jet skis running aground, accidents, disturbances, missing people, running out of fuel, call for help, and to report fishing activities in prohibited areas, Captain Adbul Rahman Al Ali of the Critical National Infrastructure Authority (CNIA) said.
"Running out of gas is one of the common type of calls we receive," he said.
In the last five months of 2009, the 996 call centre received 122 calls. The numbers were released as part of the five-month long Bihar (seas in Arabic) campaign, driven by the CNIA to create awareness on marine safety.
Colonel Ishaq Mohammad Salem Al Besher, head of the Bihar committee said: "Our goal is to integrate the Bihar initiative and the 996 number in the hearts and minds of everyone who lives in or comes to enjoy Abu Dhabi and its abundant coastline and associated facilities."
Goodwill ambassador: Al Qamzi to aid campaign
UAE's Formula 1 and Formula 2000 power boating star Thani Al Qamzi was named the goodwill ambassador of the Bihar campaign on Sunday.
His national and international achievement in water sports proves he understands the importance of following guidelines and regulations to stay safe at sea, the Critical National Infrastructure Authority said.
Al Qamzi will help authorities connect with youngsters and amateur athletes.
