ABU DHABI // A rider who fell from his jet ski in high seas has been rescued by helicopter after more than 15 hours.
Abdul Aziz Al Kaabi, 34, an Emirati, had been out at sea with a fellow rider on Sunday when, about 9pm, his craft flipped over in the rough seas.
He climbed on to his companion’s jet ski but again fell off.
Mr Al Kaabi’s friend returned to shore before calling emergency services at 11pm.
Abu Dhabi Police’s Air Wing was called to launch a search and rescue helicopter to find the man.
With visibility as low as 1,000 metres and strong winds, the helicopter was initially unable to take off and had to wait until after midnight before it was safe to head out.
The team used night-vision binoculars and thermal scanners to search for the victim, in a mission that was hampered by the strong winds, high waves and low visibility.
The helicopter had to return to the base to refuel twice before resuming the search.
About 3pm on Monday, Mr Al Kaabi was seen floating in a life jacket 18 nautical miles (33 kilometres) west of Abu Dhabi.
The rider had spent 15 hours in the sea before he was eventually rescued.
His condition was described as fair considering the ordeal he had been through.
Mr Al Kaabi thanked the helicopter team that pulled him out of the water and praised the level of care he received at the Sheikh Khalifa Medical City hospital.
“I was overwhelmed with joy when I saw the Abu Dhabi Police helicopter,” he said.
Mr Al Kaabi said his phone had broken in the water and so his companion had to report the incident to police.
Brig Gen Ali Al Mazrouei of the police Air Wing urged seafarers to check weather forecasts before venturing to sea.
They should also inform the relevant people of their departure and return times, as well as their destination, Brig Al Mazrouei said.
Adequate safety kits, especially life jackets, global positioning system devices and some way to make emergency calls were also a necessity, he said.
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