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Emirati, four sailors detained for entering Oman’s waters

They allegedly crossed into Oman's territorial waters in a fishing vessel without necessary papers, report said quoting Ministry of Environment and Water.

Fujairah – An Emirati who had been detained by Oman authorities along with four Asians for entering Oman’s territorial waters did not have necessary papers, Arabic daily Al Ittihad reported, quoting the Ministry of Environment and Water.

Abdullah Jassim Ahmed Sheikh Al Naqabi and his companions were detained in a fishing vessel a few days ago and he is not holding a licence of a boat’s head seaman or deputy head, known locally as ‘nokhada’.

Al Naqabi did not have the permit from the ministry’s office in Fujairah, the ministry confirmed after reviewing its records.

“Since he is not holding any of the two permits, he is considered violating the law. The fishing boat No 155, which was licensed by the Khor Fakkan Fishermen Association was also noted as braking the laws,” according to Salah Al Raisi, Director of Fisheries Resources at the ministry.

The 21-year-old Al Naqabi and four other Asians entered Oman’s territorial waters while fishing and were detained by the Omani authorities, accused of entering the country illegally.

They have been detained for more than a week inside Dibba Al Baiyya police station of Oman which borders the UAE Dibba Al Hisn city.

The Ministry of Environment and water, according to Al Raisi, will slap fine on all the violators including the owner of the fishing boat. “The penalty starts from a fine of Dh2,000 and suspension of licence for a month and withdrawal of the licence in case of repeating the violation.

“The Ministry of Environment and Water issues fishing licence to practice the profession inside the UAE territorial waters. Venturing outside the boundaries is a punishable offence under the federal law No 23 of 1999,” he elaborated.

Father of Al Naqabi said: “My son ventured out into the sea on a fishing boat owned by Mohammed Khamees, Emirati, from A Bidiyya harbor on April 14.”

He said he had visited his son two days back, and the policemen allowed him to see and talk to him, but refused his request to bail him out as he is still under investigation.

The owner of the boat denied reports that Abdullah and the four sailors had crossed the UAE territorial waters and that the five were arrested and detained by the Omani authorities on April 14.

news@khaleejtimes.com