Boat carrying electronic goods sinks in Dubai Creek

Dubai: A worn-out cargo wooden boat carrying 60 tonnes of electronic items sunk in Dubai Creek, Dubai Police said.

The 40-foot boat, which was overloaded, and heading from Port Rashid to Iran, had to return to Dubai after it developed leaks in holes, said Captain Yahya Hussain, Head of Marine Rescue Department of Dubai Police.

The six crew members of the boat were unhurt when the boat started sinking near the customs check-point at Dubai Creek, he said.

Efforts by the rescue department and civil defence to save the cargo and boat failed as the boat was overloaded.

They tried to keep the boat afloat by placing balloons underneath the boat, said Captain Hussain.