Bodies of brothers who drowned recovered after two days

Sharjah/Dubai: The bodies of two boys who drowned on Saturday evening were recovered yesterday morning after more than 48 hours of search operations.

Two Iraqi brothers, 18-year-old Essam and 17-year-old Hesham drowned in the sea near Coral Beach Resort.

Sharjah Police's rescue team, divers, civil defence and the coast guards recovered the bodies with help of Dubai Police. Search operations continued on Sunday and yesterday morning until waves washed one of the bodies ashore. After a few hours, the second body was found stuck between rocks.

The father of the two boys had filed a complaint with Al Heera Police Station at 9:30pm on Saturday evening. He said his family and friends were having a picnic at Al Heera Corniche and went to the sea to wash themselves.

They went ten metres from the land into the rough sea and were surprised by a high wave. They managed to pull out their younger son. However, the brothers went missing. They called the Sharjah Operations room and informed police who started search operations. The high waves and rough sea as well as strong winds hindered search operations.

Onlookers were horrified that yet another drowning incident had happened there. They said such incidents are not uncommon. Residents said there is a signboard saying swimming is prohibited in that stretch, but it is difficult to spot at night due to the lack of street lights.

Sharjah Municipality refuted the remarks and claimed that there is no need to add further street lights because the warning signs are laminated, and that families should not swim at night.

"The signboard is designed to be seen at night, which clearly says that swimming is prohibited. There is nothing more that the municipality can do," said Salah Al Haj, Director General of Sharjah Municipality.

Watchtowers to be set up in area

Lieutenant Colonel Sultan Al Khayyal, Director of Al Heera Police Station, said they have agreed with the authorities to establish watchtowers in the area. Sharjah Police have lifeguards, who will be deployed on the towers. He called on the authorities to set up the towers immediately.

Do you take preventive measures while swimming in the sea? Are you trained in any life-saving techniques? Should they be taught as a compulsory programme at school? Is there a need for more lifeguards?

Preventive measures while swimming in the sea should be taught as a compulsory programme at schools. It is very important.
Janice
Sharjah,UAE

There is a strong need for the public to make an effort to learn more about beaches and to stop blaming the authorities. The public should know better that swimming at night, especially beaches is one danger which will lead to tragedy. This is sad yet a norm which should be prohibited. Public needs to be aware that they too tend to ignore the dangers and instead blame the authorities. I feel that goverment needs to introduce swimming in schools so as to teach kids the dangers of swimming and how to prevent tragedies like this in future.
S.Sheldon
Abu Dhabi,UAE

Yes, swimming should be added to the curriculam so that a child may know the basics of survival techniques.
Oommen
Abu-Dhabi,India

Children should be given training during their schooling, if not they would find it very difficult to learn when they grow up. Furthermore, if danger strikes they will be prepared and need not depend on anyone for help.
Abida
Abu Dhabi,UAE

Yes, whatever the reason is, they should highlight this during nighttime on the signboard especially as the summer season is very near. Educational zones should implement first-aid training on how to save people from drowning. Lifeguards may not be around as such mishaps happen unexpectedly.
ummahmood
Ajman,UAE

The tragic incedent reminds us of the necessity of having life guards positioned at all times on beaches. Moreover signs put up at the area seems to be inadequate. It should be visible from any area of entry to beaches and the municipalities must run frequent awarenss campaigns aimed at the public.
M. Sageer
Dubai,UAE

The muncipality has done its best to avoid such accidents. They have put signboards which can be seen at night too. Putting life guards is a good option to enhance the security but still the public should use thier common sense and not blame the authorities if anything untoward happened.
Joseph
Sharjah,UAE

Two precious young lives have been lost . I feel very sorry. Other parents should take care.
Bernard
Dubai,U.A.E

To be honest, I can say that the signboards are big enough to be seen or at least catches the attention; but I am unsure whether they are laminated to be visible in the night. Swimming is such a great sport, as it involves all the muscles at the same time; however, beach lovers should not swim after dark falls.
Nashwan
Dubai,UAE

Since this beach is within the city area, the concerned authorities, in this case, Sharjah Municipality, must provide flags to signal the safety conditions, watchtowers and adequate signboards. Furthermore, wave breakers need to be installed, similar to those on Dubai beaches. should ensure children are trained in swimming at an early age.
Rashed Karkain
Dubai,UAE