Seafarers in Bahrain have been instructed to avoid going near industrial sites and orange buoys while at sea for their own safety.
Speaking on the Interior Ministry’s Al Aman social media programme, Hidd Police Station’s head Colonel Dr Osama Bahar has urged people to stay at least half a kilometre away from such sites at all times.
This comes as Bapco Energies is conducting a multi-year, comprehensive 3D marine seismic survey in Bahrain’s territorial waters under January 2027 to enhance oil and gas exploration.
“The ones in charge of the project are moving around the sea from place-to-place, with the survey areas designated by orange life buoys,” said Col Dr Bahar.
“What they are asking you to do is simple – just stay away from the survey areas. Do not swim nor dive in the area, and do not linger.
“Additionally, do not go cast fishing lines anywhere near the traps, and that includes fish traps and nets.
“If you find yourself near the survey area, do not travel at high speed and, instead, calmly turn around and put some distance between you and the buoys – at least 500 metres.”
Col Dr Bahar warned that approaching industrial facilities at sea could result in a tragedy due to the high level of danger in the surrounding area.
Liquified gas equipment especially has machinery with a suction force that can pull in boats, swimmers and divers if they are too close.
Therefore, he has urged every single sailor – whether amateur or professional, to pay attention to the buoys and keep a safe distance from them at all times.
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