Kuwaiti Diving Team Warns Boat and Ship Owners of Weather Fluctuations in Al-Ahimar Season

The Kuwaiti diving team at the Environmental Volunteer Foundation has warned boat and ship owners and sea-goers about weather fluctuations during the season of the star Al-Hamar, emphasizing the need for utmost caution and advising against night sailing during this period unless official authorities confirm that weather conditions are completely and accurately stable.

Waleed Al-Fadl, the team’s president, told the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Thursday that the danger of sailing during the Al-Hamar season, known as “Al-Hamar’s strike” or “Al-Hamar’s concealment,” lies in the violent and sudden climatic fluctuations that affect the Arabian Gulf and the Arabian Sea.

Al-Fadl added that this period, which begins in mid-November and lasts for about 40 to 45 days, is one of the most dangerous maritime seasons. Historically, pearl divers and Gulf sailors avoided going to sea entirely during this time, mooring and securing their vessels in ports.

Regarding the main risks of sailing during this season, he explained that they include increased activity of stormy winds and severe atmospheric disturbances resulting from the transition between autumn and winter, making sea condition forecasts difficult and deceptive. Strong northwesterly or westerly winds can reach speeds of 80 to 120 kilometers per hour at times.

He noted that such wind speeds were capable of destroying ship sails and capsizing boats in the past, accompanied by sudden sea surges and wave heights reaching dangerous levels that could sink sailing vessels and fishing boats.

In this regard, Al-Fadl urged sea-goers to adhere to essential safety guidelines, most importantly avoiding sailing entirely during nighttime hours due to reduced visibility and the difficulty of coping with sudden weather changes or water currents. He also advised staying completely away from known maritime sites with strong currents and high risks during this period.

He identified these hazardous sites as Ras Al-Ard, Ras Al-Jali’a, and Ras Al-Zour, where sailing dangers are amplified by severe wave disturbances. He stressed the importance of ensuring the efficiency of safety and rescue equipment on board, activating tracking and communication devices, and closely monitoring weather forecasts before deciding to go to sea.

Al-Fadl said that “sea people usually rejoice during these days due to the abundance of fish catches after the summer period, but this is accompanied by several risks, as most shipwreck incidents in Kuwait, both historically and currently, occur during this season.”

He emphasized the importance of following these instructions, which form the cornerstone of preserving lives and property, and expressed gratitude to the General Administration of Coast Guard and the General Fire Force for their efforts and the services they provide to sea-goers.