Diving team warns boat and ship owners of weather fluctuations during "Al-Ahimer" season - Sarmad
Kuwait Diving Team warned of sailing risks during the Al-Ahimer season due to violent weather fluctuations in the Arabian Gulf and the Arabian Sea.
Translated by Qiyas from سرمد — Original source
The Kuwaiti Diving Team, an environmental volunteer organization, has warned boat and ship owners and sea-goers about weather fluctuations during the season of the Al-Himar star, emphasizing the need for utmost caution and vigilance. They advised against sailing at night during this period unless official authorities have confirmed that weather conditions are completely and accurately stable.
Team leader Waleed Al-Fadl said on Thursday that the danger of sailing during the Al-Himar star season, known as “Al-Himar Strike” or “Al-Himar Obscuration,” lies in the violent and sudden climatic fluctuations that strike 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 entering the sea entirely during this time, mooring and securing their vessels in ports.
Regarding the primary risks of sailing during this season, he clarified that they involve increased activity of stormy winds and severe atmospheric disturbances resulting from the transition between autumn and winter. This makes predicting sea conditions difficult and deceptive, with stormy northwesterly or westerly winds occasionally reaching speeds between 80 and 120 kilometers per hour.
He noted that such wind speeds are capable of destroying ship sails and capsizing boats in the past, accompanied by sudden sea agitation 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 necessary safety guidelines to protect themselves from any danger. The most important of these is avoiding sailing entirely during nighttime hours due to reduced visibility and the difficulty of handling sudden weather changes or water currents. He also stressed the importance of completely avoiding maritime areas known for strong water currents and high risks during this period.
He specified that these hazardous maritime locations include Ras Al-Ard, Ras Al-Jali’a, and Ras Al-Zour, where sailing risks are amplified by severe wave disturbances. He emphasized the necessity of ensuring the effectiveness of safety and rescue equipment on board boats, activating tracking and communication devices, and closely monitoring weather forecasts before making any decision to go to sea.
Al-Fadl stated that “sea people usually rejoice during these days due to the increased fish catch 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 Fire Force for their efforts and the services they provide to sea-goers.
