Diving Authority Warns Boat and Ship Owners of Weather Fluctuations During 'Al-Ahimer' Season

- Al-Fadl highlighted the dangers of sailing due to violent and sudden climatic fluctuations.

- He urged avoiding sailing at night and steering clear of locations known for strong water currents.

The diving team at the Environmental Voluntary Al-Mabra warned boat and ship owners and sea-goers about weather fluctuations during the Najm (Al-Ahimer) season, emphasizing the need for utmost caution and advising against sailing at night during these days unless full and accurate confirmation of stable weather conditions is obtained from official authorities.

The team’s head, Waleed Al-Fadl, said today that the danger of sailing during the Najm (Al-Ahimer) season, known as “Al-Ahimer’s Strike” or “Al-Ahimer’s Disappearance,” lies in the violent and sudden climatic fluctuations that strike the Arabian Gulf and the Arabian Sea.

He 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, traditional sailors (Nakhudas) and Gulf mariners completely avoided going to sea during this time, mooring and securing their vessels in ports.

Regarding the main risks of sailing in 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. Stormy winds (northwesterly or westerly) can reach speeds of 80 to 120 kilometers per hour at times.

He noted that wind speeds are capable of destroying ship sails and capsizing boats, accompanied by sudden sea agitation and wave heights reaching dangerous levels that could sink sailing ships and fishing boats.

In this regard, Al-Fadl urged sea-goers to adhere to essential safety guidelines, primarily avoiding sailing entirely during nighttime hours due to reduced visibility and the difficulty of coping with sudden weather changes or water currents. He also stressed complete avoidance of passing through maritime locations known for strong currents and high risks during this period.

He clarified that locations known for strong currents include Ras Al-Ard, Ras Al-Jali’a, and Ras Al-Zour, where sailing risks are amplified due to severe wave disturbances. He emphasized the necessity of verifying the effectiveness of safety and rescue equipment on board boats, ensuring tracking and communication devices are operational, and closely monitoring weather forecasts before deciding to go to sea.

Al-Fadl said that “sea people usually rejoice during these days due to increased 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 stressed the importance of adhering to these instructions, which form the cornerstone of preserving lives and property, and expressed gratitude to the General Administration of Coast Guard and the General Fireforce for their efforts and the services they provide to sea-goers.