A 63-year-old Emirati fishing boat captain, Issa Muhammad Al Falasi, emerged as a hero after rescuing eight people and recovering two bodies in a harrowing sea incident off the coast of Dubai, Gulf News reports.
On January 11, Al Falasi was on a routine fishing expedition when he encountered a group in distress. The rescued men, comprising six Indians and two Pakistanis, had rented a boat for a fishing trip but faced tragedy as their vessel capsized in rough weather, leading to high waves.
Dubai Police confirmed the incident, detailing the challenging rescue operation. Al Falasi set sail from Al Hamriyah Port at 10 am with two workers. While at sea, he noticed a person in a life jacket being swept away by the waves. Swiftly reaching the man, Al Falasi learned about nine others in peril and immediately commenced a search.
Lacking phone coverage, Al Falasi couldn’t call for assistance, relying solely on his experience and determination. After a grueling half-hour search, he successfully rescued eight survivors. Tragically, two others were found deceased.
Al Falasi, a seasoned mariner since the age of seven and father of six, displayed exceptional bravery and skill in navigating the treacherous conditions. Following the rescue, he headed to the nearest Coast Guard point, where Dubai Police and other authorities provided necessary assistance and care to the survivors and took charge of the bodies.