RAK Police rescues Canadian tourist stranded in desert

Ras Al Khaimah - The tourist was heading to the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah as part of a land cruise trip to enjoy the sand hills, according to a senior police officer.

The RAK traffic police have managed to rescue a Canadian tourist whose four-wheel drive got stuck in a desert area 6km off Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road.
The tourist was heading to Ras Al Khaimah as part of a pleasure trip, according to a senior police officer.
Lt-Col Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, head of traffic and patrols section at the RAK Police, said the Central Operations Room dispatched police and traffic patrols, as well as paramedics and rescue teams to the site when alerted of the accident. "The rescue team got in touch with the tourist and managed to locate him through his smart phone in record time."
He was then given first aid and his car was recovered after several attempts due to the rough surface there, he added.
"All tourists, drivers and members of the society are urged to be cautious when going on desert trips, and to avoid rough areas, mainly low-level sand spots so as not to get stuck."

RAK Police get drone
Meanwhile, the first of its kind drone joined service in the RAK Police on Thursday. The sophisticated unmanned plane is equipped with an advanced aerial photography system.
Major-General Ali Abdullah bin Alwan Al Nuaimi, Commander-in-Chief of the RAK Police, said the drone, fitted with full definition cameras, has been connected with the central operations room and police smart phones.
"The all new drone will help broadcast all the events, functions and activities live round the clock, and that will help the officials concerned take the right decision in emergency cases."
"The drone, equipped with a cutting-edge video camera, will be used by security and traffic patrols for swift intervention and interaction, and that will help boost security across the emirate, particularly as the staffers concerned have been well trained."
Captain Khalid Al Naqbi, head of media unit at RAK Police, told Khaleej Times that the drone, specially manufactured abroad for law-enforcement bodies in the emirate, has been locally modified to better suit police operations here.
"The drone, basically specified for special operations, can fly for as far as 3km."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• Ras Al Khaimah