Dubai: As many as 57 marine accidents, including two deaths and 69 injuries, were registered by Dubai Police’s General Department of Transport and Rescue in 2015, officials revealed on Sunday.
Major Ali Abdullah Al Naqbi, head of the Maritime Rescue Department, said most of the accidents were recorded in the months of April and May.
“We registered 13 accidents in April and 20 more in May,” Maj Al Naqbi said. “No accidents were recorded in the last two months of the year.”
Maj Al Naqbi said two deaths and 69 injuries were attributed to the accidents.
“Eight suffered severe injuries, 37 minor injuries while the rest suffered moderate injuries,” he said, stressing that the number of accidents recorded is not considered high.
“Some of the accidents were the result of two boats colliding, while others were the sinking of a boat,” he said, adding that a patrol boat is usually dispatched immediately to the scene of the accident. “We use jet skis if the accident was close to shore. We determine the location of the accident using satellite technology.”
Maj Al Naqbi said the department was ready to deal with any emergency and is active round the clock. “We have eight rescue points situated around the emirate, 22 divers, and a myriad of jet skis, amphibious vehicles ready to deal with any emergency in our waters.”
Maj Al Naqbi said the department is also making use of radars to monitor the speed of boats in Dubai waters. “Every area has its own speed limit.” he said. “It usually ranges between five and 10 knots.”
Maj Al Naqbi urged jet skiers to abide by maritime laws, not drive near groups of people and avoid performing stunts which may lead to accidents.
