Thursday, May 15, 2014
Sharjah: A 62-year-old man died early Thursday after falling off rocks while fishing on a family holiday, an official at Sharjah Police confirmed with Gulf News.
The victim, identified as A.T.S. and of Syrian nationality, was along the water with his family on Al Khan beach when he lost his footing and went into the water around 9am on Thursday.
His family ran to a nearby beach to raise the alarm and fetch help and police were called.
The Coastguard and a rescue team were despatched to the scene and later recovered the body.
He was taken to Al Kuwaiti Hospital where he was pronounced dead, and was moved to the forensic laboratory for autopsy.
The case is with Al Buhairah Police station and investigation is under way.
Authorities confirmed Thursday this is the fifth drowning in Sharjah waters this year.
Statistics from the Ambulance and Rescue division in the Traffic and Patrol Department at Sharjah Police showed that between January and November of 2013, there were 13 cases of drowning as compared with 16 cases of drowning reported during 2012 and seven cases in 2011.
Police said drowning incidents have occurred mostly in Al Khan and Al Mamzar areas, according to statistics.
Colonel Omar Abdullah Al Suwaidi, Director of Al Shaml police station, said higher drowning numbers in recent years reflect a casual disregard by visitors to water areas who are not adhering to warnings posted by police in designated areas.
Colonel Al Suwaidi expressed concern over drowning accidents.
“We have repeatedly warned beachgoers not to go to the prohibited swimming areas that are witnessing high tides,” he said.
“Signboards are placed on the beach but some swimmers neglect them and endanger their lives by swimming in these areas. Also, many swimmers neglect the warnings and choose to swim on days when turbulent weather is witnessed and when there is high tide making swimmers more prone to drowning,” he said.
Colonel Al Suwaidi said that the Sharjah Police and Rescue Department are taking precautionary measures by placing patrols in areas that witness drowning incidents.
He urged the public to call police on 999 or 06-5631111 if they spot anybody in danger in the water.
By Aghaddir Ali Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2014. All rights reserved.
