Officers walk for 13 hours to rescue nine people lost in Ras Al Khaimah valley

Police urge hikers to co-ordinate with police when going on extended trips

Nine people stranded in a Ras Al Khaimah valley were brought to safety by the police. Courtesy: Ras Al Khaimah Police

Police officers in Ras Al Khaimah walked for more than 13 hours to rescue nine people lost in a valley.

The Arab and Asian residents were lost and stranded for more than 24 hours in the Naqab valley.

Authorities were alerted about the missing residents and immediately sent out a rescue team and paramedics.

Brig Mohammed Al Humaidi, director general of the central operations department at Ras Al Khaimah Police, said the rescue team searched the area late into the night but could not find the residents.

“Rescuers then sought the help of the residents of the valley to guide them through the mountainous area on foot after failing to find a path for vehicles,” he said.

“They walked for more than 13 hours before they finally found the nine residents, who were exhausted and [had been] without food and water for hours.

“Rescuers and paramedics provided them with first aid and medical care.”

Brig Al Humaidi urged the public to be cautious when going on trips into the mountains. He advised the public to co-ordinate with the police, who can then keep track of their location.

“I strongly advise valley goers to avoid the rough [and] rocky ... mountainous areas which are hard to get to."