Diving Team Warns Boat and Ship Owners About Weather Fluctuations During the "Al-Ahmar" 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, stressing the need for utmost caution and advising against night sailing during this period unless full and accurate confirmation of stable weather conditions is obtained from official authorities.

Speaking to KUNA yesterday, Team President Waleed Al-Fadl said that the danger of sailing during the Al-Hamar season, known as “Al-Hamar’s Strike” or “Al-Hamar’s Disappearance,” lies in the violent and sudden climatic changes 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 among 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 may blow, with speeds sometimes reaching 80 to 120 kilometers per hour.

He noted that such 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 vessels and fishing boats.

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 locations as Ras Al-Ard, Ras Al-Jali’a, and Ras Al-Zour, where sailing becomes significantly more dangerous due to severe wave disturbances. He emphasized the necessity of verifying the efficiency of safety and rescue equipment on board, ensuring tracking and communication devices are operational, and closely monitoring weather forecasts before deciding to go to sea.

Al-Fadl said that while seafarers typically rejoice during this time due to increased fish catches after the summer season, this is accompanied by several risks, as most shipwrecks in Kuwait, both historically and currently, occur during this season.

He stressed the importance of complying with 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 seafarers.