RAK police rescue three Asians lost in valley

Ras Al Khaimah - They managed to identify their location coordinates with the help of one of their cell phones

The Ras Al Khaimah Police have rescued three Asian tourists lost in one of the rough valleys adjacent to a high mountain of the northern emirate.
The central operations room of the Fujairah Police, having been alerted of the accident, immediately dispatched a police patrol, an ambulance, and paramedics to the site in a record time.
Brigadier Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al Humaidi, director general of the central operations department, RAK Police, said they were alerted about the trio's loss on Wednesday night at 9pm.
"One of the three tourists, all Asians, told the Al Rams police station that he and two of his fellows were lost in one of the rough valleys of the emirate, and could not come back."
The search team, immediately sent, managed to track down the lost trio and identify their location coordinates with the help of one of their cell phones, he added.
"The three tourists, who were all in good health, were shifted to safe place thereafter."
Brig. Humaidi said that the valley in which the trio got lost was so rough and tough, but the well trained search team managed to timely reach and rescue them.
"All tourists and climbers need to carry special equipment and wear protective clothing, and be accompanied at all times by a qualified trainer who can react in a professional manner during emergencies".
Trekkers and climbers have also to learn the basics of rock climbing on an indoor wall first, he added.
"Climbers need to inform the authorities about their activities, whereabouts and number of climbers, and consult climbing websites to get up-to-date information on local climbing sites."
Trekkers are also advised to bring a means of communication, such as a mobile or satellite phone, he said. "A whistle could also be useful to attract attention, and take food items on their hike."
Few days back, the RAK police, in collaboration with a rescue team from the ministry of interior airlifted a European tourist injured in Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah to the hospital.
"The tourist was trekking the highest peak in the country, over 1,910m above the sea level, when he fell off the mountain. The tourist's condition is reported to be stable."
Wing Commander Saeed Rashid Al Yamahi, Head of the Air Wing Section, said all mountain goers, tourists and workers are highly urged to be more cautious at these areas and take all precautionary measures for their safety.
"All staff rescuers are not only provided with the latest search and rescue equipment, but go through regular training as well to be alert for rescue missions round the clock."
"What makes our job more difficult, when looking for a missing person here, is the insufficient or unclear information, the rough, rocky, and sloppy mountainous areas which are hard to get to, let alone the unstable weather conditions, mainly the atmospheric pressures, funnel clouds, and heavy showers."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Ras Al Khaimah