4 rescued from drowning in Dubai

dubai — Four Arabs were rescued from drowning off the Umm Suqeim beach near the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai on Sunday.

According to Dubai Police sources, all the four were seriously injured. The police said the Operations Room received information around 3am on Sunday that a group of people were washed away by strong waves.

The police said the four friends had gone to the beach early on Sunday to swim. While they were swimming, a high tide drew them deeper into the sea and they were too exhausted to swim back to the shore. Later, they told the police that despite being good swimmers, they couldn’t swim back to the shore because of the high waves. A rescue team and boats from the Dubai Maritime Rescue Department, rushed to the site and plunged into heavy seas to pull the friends ashore. Despite the darkness and high waves, the rescue workers managed to rescue the men. After giving first aid, they were taken to hospital for treatment.

“We started screaming as the waves swept us deeper into the water. We were very scared, but fortunately, the police team reached immediately to save us,” they said. The incident followed the drowning of two Sri Lankans and one Indian in the same area on Friday. After the deaths on Friday, the Dubai Police had issued a warning to the beachgoers to remain extra cautious while venturing into the sea.

Police issue warning

A senior officer with the Dubai Police warned that beachgoers should avoid swimming in the sea late at night as there are no lifeguards at the beach at that time. He also urged people not to venture more than 300 to 500 metres into the sea to avoid exposure to strong waves and currents.