Dubai Police launch underwater rescue mission to reunite kayaker with lost valuables

A tourist lost his wallet, identification and other belongings during trip at Hatta Dam

Dubai Police reunited a kayaker with his belongings. Courtesy: Dubai Police    

Dubai Police launched an underwater rescue mission after a tourist feared his valuables had sunk without a trace during a calamitous kayaking trip in Hatta.

The Asian man called 999 after his wallet, containing his identification and credit cards, a vehicle key, and two phones, accidentally plunged deep into the waters at Hatta Dam.

A marine rescue patrol was sent to the scene to establish the specific section of the dam the items had dropped into.

"After a search plan had been drawn up, a Frogman Team of the Maritime Rescue Department went underwater to search for the valuables”, said Lt-Col Ali Al Naqbi, director of the sea rescue department at Dubai Police.

The team were able to successfully retrieve the essential belongings thought to have been lost at sea.

The police chief hailed the efforts of the rescue team who were operating in poor visibility underwater and were further hampered by overcast conditions.

It made for double delight for Dubai Police, who had also launched a similarly successful dive the previous.

“This successful operation was the second in two consecutive days, where the team was also able to extract the belongings of an Arab tourist woman who lost her wallet in the Hatta Water Dam”, Lt-Col Al Naqbi said.

The dates of the two incidents were not disclosed by police.

The senior officer called on the public to take extra care over their personal belongings during sporting and marine activities.

Both tourists expressed their thanks to police for the speedy return of their valuables.