Dubai: Two British tourists were rescued from Al Badayer desert in Sharjah recently after their quad bikes caught on fire.
The Ministry of Interior (MoI) captured the rescue operation on video, as an air patrol was sent to save the injured tourists.
"صقور الداخلية" جناح الجو بالإسناد الأمني ينقذ سياح أوروبيين تعرضت دراجتهم لحريق في "البداير"
— MOIUAE (@moiuae) December 4, 2017
The Eagles of the MOI in the Air Wing Department at the General Directorate of Security Support saves European tourists in the Al-Badair area of Sharjah pic.twitter.com/jWTelglzbs
Colonel pilot Salim Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Deputy Director of the Air Wing Department at the MoI, said that the Air Wing Operations Room received a notification from the National Medical Ambulance crew at the scene.
“The air wing arrived at the scene to help provide first aid to the injured, and the two British nationals who received burns were transferred to Al Qasimi Hospital in Sharjah quickly,” he said.
Col Al Suwaidi said the injured people were taking part of an organised tour in the desert when their quad bikes caught on fire.
"صقور الداخلية" جناح الجو بالإسناد الأمني ينقذ سياح أوروبيين تعرضت دراجتهم لحريق في "البداير"
— MOIUAE (@moiuae) December 4, 2017
The Eagles of the MOI in the Air Wing Department at the General Directorate of Security Support saves European tourists in the Al-Badair area of Sharjah pic.twitter.com/I3gDnMRshA
He also pointed out that the ministry’s air patrols are always surveying tourists’ spots and off road areas to assist in case of emergencies that require immediate intervention.
Col Al Suwaidi urged desert-goers and sports enthusiasts to always take precautions against any off-road surprises, and to wear protective clothing when carrying out such extreme types of sports.
He also added that residents and visitors should always be equipped with communication devices that can be used in remote areas.