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Etisalat coverage saves seven lives at sea

ABU DHABI — Etisalat's strong coverage across the UAE saved seven fishermen who were in need of help a few days ago after their boat broke down on the high seas between Um Shif and Abu Al-Bukhosh oilfields off the shore of Abu Dhabi.

Recounting their nightmarish experience they said that despite being on the high seas in the middle of nowhere, they managed to call Abu Dhabi Police for help by using their mobile phone.

Jumaa bin Salem bin Saeed Al Hamadani, the Omani master of the boat, said: "While fishing on high seas, our boat's engines failed and water started seeping into the boat, which continued for about an hour and almost immersed it. We realised that if that continued for another hour the boat would sink."

"As we had no GPS devices on the boat, the only lifeline was our mobile phone coverage, which we did not expect at that distance from the mainland. However, when I looked at my mobile phone, I saw that we were still within Etisalat coverage area. Then, I called 999 immediately and after a while, marine forces sent a helicopter to locate us and send a rescue boat," Al Hamadani added.

• UAE