Sheikh Hamdan orders study of powerboat safety

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, has ordered that studies be carried out on powerboat safety and crew protection during races. Two members of a Dubai powerboat racing team died on December 11 when their vessel crashed minutes after the start of the final round of the Dubai Grand Prix. The Dubai Victory Team's Mohammed al Mehairi, 34, an Emirati, and his co-pilot, the Frenchman Jean-Marc Sanchez, 48, were the reigning European champions.

Sheikh Hamdan is chairman of the Victory team and of the Dubai Sports Club. Relevant bodies have been instructed to prepare the reports on safety inside cockpits and make recommendations, WAM, the government news agency, said yesterday. Sheikh Hamdan also asked the Dubai International Marine Club, which had hosted the Grand Prix, to resume participation in all international powerboat races. * WAM

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