BAHRAIN was in mourning yesterday following the tragic death of a policeman in a high seas incident.
Corporal Ammar Ebrahim Isa, 26, was killed when his patrol vessel was rammed by a boat attempting to flee the scene after it was warned by officers to stop over a suspected violation of a shrimping ban.
Corporal Ammar, a resident of Busaiteen, was the captain of the vessel. Two of his colleagues were also injured in the attack.
The Interior Ministry last night said as part of the Coastguard’s commitment to confront violations, including the current shrimping ban, patrols instructed a boat suspected of catching shrimp to follow orders and stop.
Intentional
“However, the boat intentionally changed direction and crashed into the patrol in an attempt to escape, causing the death of a policeman and injuring two others who were referred to hospital for treatment,” the ministry said.
“Four Asians were arrested onboard at the Shahrakan beach.
“Investigations revealed various violations related to the boat’s registration, licence and use of runaway workers.
“The boat’s automatic identification device had also been switched off.
“Legal proceedings were taken and the Public Prosecution was notified,” said the ministry.
Corporal Ammar, the oldest and only son of retired municipality employee Ebrahim Isa and Nadia Al Houti, has left behind a large and close-knit family, including three younger sisters, in deep sorrow.
His pregnant widow Ameena was inconsolable when informed of the incident, said close relatives.
Corporal Ammar was buried in Muharraq cemetery yesterday evening.
“Ameena is in her sixth month of pregnancy and is inconsolable,” said Abdulsamad Isa, the uncle of the deceased.
“We are all by her side and she is accepting it as Allah’s will, but who can fill the void in her life?” asked the retired IT head at the Arabian Gulf University.
According to the uncle, the incident happened at around 1.30am and two others on board with Corporal Ammar were at the BDF Hospital.
“From what we know, the fishing boat intentionally crashed into the patrol on which Ammar was with two of his colleagues. The patrol boat overturned and Ammar died, while his colleagues were injured.
“It is sad that the men violated the law and also tried to escape by injuring those who are the keepers of the law.
“All they need is money – and in the bargain, the family lost.
“We, as Muslims, are taught to stay emotionally strong in such situations, but this loss is irreparable.
“Ammar’s mother and three younger sisters are shocked and equally inconsolable.
“I wish people would behave more responsibly and in a civilised manner,” he said, noting that such violations, which risked policemen’s lives, were common in the waters.
Meanwhile, MPs, led by Parliament public utilities and environment affairs committee chairman Mohammed Buhamood, have called for tough action against the suspects.
“The attack on the Coastguards was deliberate and is hence a premeditated murder, in my opinion,” Mr Buhamood said.
“A life has been lost due to greed and those responsible should not be spared.”
He added that the boat owner should also be brought to justice.
“Most likely the boat was leased illegally to the Asians in return for cash and this makes him a clear accomplice,” he said.
Bahrain currently has a six-month ban in place on shrimping, which runs until July 31.
The mandatory ban on the territorial waters aims to protect existing shrimp stocks and allows them to replenish.
Punishments highlighted in the 2002 Fishing Organisation, Practice and Protection Law would see offenders jailed up to a month, or fined between BD300 and BD1,000, or both, besides having their equipment and haul confiscated.
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