Hope rises above

While the world has seen so much suffering and sadness over the past 12 months, as so many people experienced so many irreplaceable losses, it is important to remind ourselves of those occasions that reaffirm life and hope.

For rescuers with the Dubai port police, such a moment came with the discovery of two men who were clinging to life after surviving the sinking of a ship in rough Gulf waters last week.

The Malaysian-flagged ship the Dhima, which was en route from Ajman to Iran to collect a load of diesel, disappeared from radio contact after its captain contacted the owner to say the waves were too high, and it was decided that he should return to port.

Authorities said the two rescued Indian nationals had been fighting for their lives in the sea for three days - all the while clutching their passports. Tragically, one of their crewmates has been confirmed dead and three other men were still missing yesterday.

Yet the story of the two sailors who have a new lease on life for a new year - and of the continuing efforts of the rescue teams who were working last night as others celebrated - is a reminder of human tenacity in the face of adversity.