Civil Defence: Life Jackets Crucial in Maritime Emergencies

Civil Defence Details Response to Tourist Boat Capsizing off Muttrah Coast

Muscat: Captain Ali bin Saeed Al Farsi from the Directorate of Relations and Media at the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority stated that marine rescue and ambulance teams responded immediately on Tuesday morning upon receiving a report of a tourist boat capsizing off the coast of the Wilayat of Muttrah.

In special statements to a local radio station, he explained that rescue teams were dispatched to Sultan Qaboos Port in Muttrah without delay. Upon arrival, a number of tourists had already been rescued by nearby tourist boats and the Coast Guard Police, and were found to be in good health.

He added that the bodies of three deceased victims were received at the site and transferred to the relevant authorities to complete the necessary legal procedures. He noted that rescue operations, including handling of the injured and deceased, were completed in less than one hour from the time the initial report was received.

Captain Al Farsi pointed out that most of the injured were elderly, with some suffering from panic and hypothermia due to exposure to seawater. Ambulance crews assessed the injured, monitored their vital signs, and administered oxygen to several cases until their condition stabilized. All injuries were classified as minor, and the affected individuals were transferred to health institutions for reassurance and further medical evaluation.

Among the initial observations, he noted that some passengers were not wearing life jackets during the trip. He stressed that while wearing life jackets may seem uncomfortable to some, they play a critical role in increasing survival chances during emergencies.

He further explained that sea and weather conditions on the day of the incident were unstable, emphasizing that such factors must be carefully assessed before undertaking any maritime journey. He reiterated the Authority’s continuous emphasis on strict adherence to safety requirements, particularly when dealing with tourists and elderly passengers.

Captain Al Farsi concluded by stating that the final causes of the accident and the circumstances surrounding the fatalities remain under investigation by the competent authorities. He affirmed that the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority remains in full readiness to respond to such incidents at all times.