Search for missing sailor enters second week but no results yet

Khor: Fakkan The family of a Coast Guard sailor, missing at sea since last Friday, has vowed to continue the search for him until they learn of his fate.

Emirati A.K.B., was part of a four-man Coast Guard rescue boat dispatched to rescue a fishing boat in distress, just off the Fujairah coast, during bad weather.

During the operation, his boat capsized, but unlike his three colleagues, the sailor was unable to cling on to the boat. Authorities have since been engaged in a sea and air search operations along the east coast, but to no avail.

The family's male members have also taken it upon themselves to search for A.K.M., with the assistance of local fishing boat owners.

The mother and sister of A.K.B. told Gulf News that the father and brothers, along with members of the extended family, of their son are out at sea on a daily basis to search for him.

They said: "All the men go out first thing in the morning and don't return until later in the afternoon." Although they understand the possibility of him surviving is very slim, the family say they can not give up hope until there is concrete evidence of his fate.

Residents of Khor Fakkan are closely following the search efforts and have given their support to the family.

Authorities have declined to comment despite repeated attempts by the media.