Emirati hero's family struggling with loss after drowning

Ras Al Khaimah: The family members of a young Emirati who died while trying to save a group of youngsters in rough waters off Ras Al Khaimah last week have spoken of their struggle to come to terms with his death.

Ahmad Salim, 20, was pronounced dead at the scene despite efforts to resuscitate him.

His eldest brother, Saeed, 24, a UAE military employee, told Gulf News: “My brother Ahmad was loved by everyone. He was the sweetest boy and everybody only had the best things to say about him.”

Saeed said a delegation from the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Islamic Affairs and Awqaf visited the family on Saturday. Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, had previously described Ahmad as a “hero”.

The delegation told them a new mosque in the emirate will be named after Ahmad in recognition of his noble deed.

Saeed said Ahmad’s death came just 10 months after their father died of cancer. He and Ahmad were the family’s breadwinners.

“He offered his help to anybody, whether he knew them or not. He went to his destiny. Death does not wait to take people’s souls, whether they are adults or kids,” Saeed said.

Job offer

Ahmad was waiting for a job offer either from the Ministry of Interior or the UAE military as he had completed his fitness test three days before the incident.

His mother said: “I can’t believe I’m not going to see him again. He was the one who took care of me. My perfect boy, he was not only my son but also my best friend. My son was saving money to build his future, a sum for his wedding as he planned to marry after joining his new job. Who will take care of me? Who will ask about my health?”

“May Almighty Allah bless his soul,” she added.

Saeed said: “Ahmad woke up early for prayers everyday and then started his day. He used to help our mother and fulfil all her needs until I came home from my work. Me and my brother were like twins but destiny took him early from all of his loved ones. We hope all people pray for his soul to rest in peace and in paradise.”

The tragedy also affected friends and neighbours in the emirate.

Ahmad, 25, an Adhan resident, told Gulf News he could not believe the news. “Ahmad was a polite boy. He prayed five times a day in the mosque and fasted. It is a big loss for the Adhan area.”

Ahmad graduated from Al Ghail Secondary School. He worked in various businesses to save up money to build his future.

Funeral

His family and friends gathered for his funeral at Adhan cemetery last Friday.

Saeed said Ahmad’s friend, who was with him at the time of the incident on October 9, told him what happened: “Ahmad was accompanied by two of his friends when the incident took place. They heard children screaming for help as they struggled against the waves.

"The waves were very high that day and they saw a Filipino man swimming with a number of children…Ahmad reached the boy and rescued him while his friend informed the authorities and sought help.”

“His friends said they thought Ahmad had got out of the water but there was no trace of him …the Coast Guard units rescued the man and all the other children, except one.”

Saeed said Coast Guard divers later recovered Ahmad’s body from the water. The next day, they found the missing child’s body after an extensive search operation.