Seven rescued by police as party boat sinks

RAK Police said one woman was blown into the water but later rescued

The vessel is partly submerged on the rocks near Mina Al Arab harbour. Courtesy: RAK Police
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Seven tourists were rescued after their boat broke down and sank in rough seas.

RAK Police said the rescue happened near the Mina Al Arab harbour on Friday evening as the group enjoyed an evening out.

One woman was knocked into the water and carried some by the waves before being rescued by police rescue boats.

Police tried to salvage the boat but said it was inoperable. Courtesy: RAK Police
Police tried to salvage the boat but said it was inoperable. Courtesy: RAK Police

They described those rescued as being European and Asians tourists aged between 30 and 40, without specifying nationalities, though the boat was flying the UK's Union Flag. It sank after the passengers were rescued.

Brigadier Dr Mohammad Saeed Al Hamidi, head of central operations at RAK Police, said the seven mostly had scratches. The woman who fell overboard is not believed to be injured.

He urged boat owners and visitors to check weather conditions before setting out, particularly at night.

The incident came on a weekend in which rapidly changing conditions brought thunder, high winds, rain and fluctuating temperatures.