Coastguard patrols arrested three people yesterday after intercepting their boat for failing to comply with security and legal procedures.
They had been warned more than once and repeatedly ordered to stop after violating the maritime ban period, which extends from 6.30pm to 4am.
A Coastguard spokesperson said, in a statement, that after the radar monitoring system and coastal cameras detected the boat leaving the coast and heading towards the northern areas, marine patrols were immediately directed to stop it for violating the maritime ban order and to verify the nature of its movements.
“As the marine patrols approached the boat, its operator failed to comply with stop orders and attempted to flee, deliberately colliding with one of the patrol boats,” he said.
“This damaged the patrol boat and caused two Coastguard personnel to sustain injuries.”
He added that two individuals from the boat also fell into the sea, and the patrols managed to rescue them and ensure their safety, while the remaining patrols continued chasing the boat, which reached a shallow-water area, where the third individual attempted to flee.
The spokesperson indicated that through continued monitoring and follow-up using the radar system and coastal cameras, the Maritime Operations Centre accurately identified the individual’s movements and location. He was arrested, the boat was brought under control, and the necessary legal procedures were taken against all individuals on board.
The Coastguard called on all seafarers to comply with decisions and instructions governing maritime movement, adhere to maritime ban timings, respond immediately to instructions from marine patrols, and avoid any actions that could endanger their safety or that of others.
It vowed to continue monitoring and security operations, and take legal proceedings against violators.
&uuid=(email))