A normal day of fishing turned into a terrifying ordeal for 12 fishermen off the coast of Fujairah, when their boat suddenly broke down in the middle of the sea. But thanks to the quick action and professionalism of the Fujairah Coast Guard, all 12 men were safely brought back to shore — shaken, but completely unharmed.
The incident happened earlier this week, when the fishermen were on a routine fishing trip in the Gulf of Oman, near Fujairah’s coastal waters. According to reports, the fishing vessel suffered a mechanical failure, causing it to lose power and drift aimlessly at sea.
Trouble at Sea
The boat, which had set out early in the morning, ran into trouble during the afternoon hours. As the engine failed, the crew quickly realized that they were unable to steer the boat or communicate clearly with others due to weak signal and fading light.
Some of the fishermen reported trying to fix the issue themselves for several hours, but their efforts failed. As night approached and panic began to set in, they managed to get a distress signal out to emergency services. That’s when the Fujairah Coast Guard sprang into action.
Coast Guard’s Rapid Response
Within minutes of receiving the distress call, a search and rescue team was dispatched. The Coast Guard used radar tracking and GPS coordinates to locate the stranded boat. The weather conditions were calm, which helped the rescuers move quickly.
A coordinated rescue operation was carried out with full professionalism. The Coast Guard vessels reached the site, secured the stranded boat, and ensured that every fisherman was accounted for. Medical teams also accompanied the rescue team to check for injuries or signs of dehydration and stress.
Thankfully, none of the fishermen suffered any serious health issues.
“We are grateful to the Coast Guard. They saved our lives,” said one of the rescued fishermen. “We didn’t know what would happen. We were scared, but once we saw the rescue boats, we felt safe again.”
Investigation Underway
While the fishermen are now safe and back with their families, the Coast Guard has begun an official investigation into the cause of the engine failure. Authorities want to ensure that the issue was not related to poor maintenance or safety violations.
The investigation will also look into whether the boat had the proper safety equipment on board, including emergency communication systems, life jackets, and backup power options. Safety at sea is a top priority for UAE maritime authorities, especially as fishing remains a key economic activity for many coastal communities.
A Reminder About Sea Safety
This incident is a strong reminder of how important it is for all fishing boats to undergo regular maintenance checks and to carry proper emergency tools. It also highlights the importance of having quick and reliable response teams ready to act at any moment.
Fujairah, known for its beautiful coastline and deep-sea fishing culture, is also one of the busiest maritime hubs on the UAE’s east coast. Hundreds of boats set sail daily, either for commercial fishing, tourism, or transportation. For this reason, strong maritime safety measures are always in place — and this rescue is proof that those systems work when needed most.
Public Praise for the Coast Guard
After news of the rescue spread, the Fujairah Coast Guard received praise from both locals and authorities. Social media was flooded with messages thanking the team for their quick action and bravery. Many users called them “real-life heroes” and said that the rescue showed how prepared and professional the UAE’s maritime forces are.
Local leaders also applauded the team and emphasized the importance of investing in rescue operations and safety training for both fishermen and emergency workers.
“This successful rescue reflects the efficiency and dedication of our Coast Guard teams,” said a Fujairah official. “Their bravery and quick action saved lives and prevented what could have been a tragic outcome.”
The Human Side of the Story
For the families of the 12 fishermen, the hours between the distress call and the final rescue were filled with anxiety and fear. Many waited by the shore, praying for good news. When they finally saw their loved ones return safely, it was a moment of pure relief and joy.
One of the fishermen’s wives said, “We kept calling, but there was no answer. It was the worst feeling. I couldn’t sleep or eat. When they finally came back, it was like a weight had been lifted off my chest.”
Stories like these remind us of the human emotion behind rescue missions. They are not just about statistics or reports — they’re about families, livelihoods, and lives being saved by dedicated people who risk their own safety for others.
Looking Ahead
As the investigation continues, authorities will likely release a report with recommendations on how to prevent similar incidents in the future. There may be updated guidelines for boat maintenance, new requirements for emergency tools, or further training for fishing crews.
The Fujairah Coast Guard has also confirmed that it will be conducting more regular patrols and safety drills, especially during peak fishing seasons, to stay prepared for any kind of emergency.
A Message of Hope and Preparedness
While no one wants to face danger at sea, this story ended in the best possible way — with all 12 men safe and sound, and a community reminded of the value of preparedness, courage, and teamwork.
Thanks to the Fujairah Coast Guard’s timely intervention, what could have been a heartbreaking tragedy became a powerful story of rescue and hope.
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