Dubai Police answer 65 distress calls at sea through Sail Safely service

Users have free access to interactive marine maps and will receive alerts about local emergencies

Lt Col Ali Al Naqbi, right, head of Dubai Police's maritime rescue department, has dedicated his career to keeping people safe. Pawan Singh / The National 

Dubai Police responded to 65 distress calls sent from vessels of all sizes through its Sail Safely help service.

Teams from the Maritime Rescue Department at the Ports Police Station answered emergency calls and helped craft to get to safety using artificial intelligence and mapping technology.

Using the mobile app on Android and iPhone, officers sent real-time weather warnings to users on sea conditions and hazards.

Launched two years ago, Sail Safely is followed by 3,715 users, including boat owners and captains who downloaded the app to help safeguard their craft and crew sea.

Users have free access to interactive marine maps and can receive alerts about local emergencies including drownings, collisions, shortage of fuel, or boat malfunction.

The Sail Safely service can track a journey, alert users to delays during a trip, identify hazards, send distress messages directly to the Dubai Police, help with rapid emergency responses, locate those in distress, and determine the type and severity of situation.

Lt Col Ali Al Naqbi, head of the Maritime Rescue Department, said the authority has boats stationed at eight points in the city, including Al Hamriya, Deira Port - Hyatt Regency, Dubai Creek - Al Maktoum Bridge, the Floating Bridge, Fishing Harbour 1 - Jumeirah 1, Fishing Harbour 2 - Jumeirah 4, Fishing Harbour 3 - Umm Suqeim, and Dubai Eye.