WhatsApp message saves Asian couple lost in RAK mountains

The Ras Al Khaimah police have managed to track down, find, and rescue an Asian couple missing in the northern emirate's rough mountains.
The central operations room of the RAK Police, having been alerted of the incident, dispatched a competent rescue team of the ambulance and rescue section to the site in a record time.
Major Tariq Mohammed Al Sharhan, head of the section, said they were alerted about the missing couple on Friday around 6pm.
"A seven-member search and rescue team, including paramedics, was immediately sent to the possible site of the couple. The team had two ambulances and a third vehicle equipped for mountainous areas."
The rescue team managed to locate the missing couple via WhatsApp, before they lost connection with the RAK police, he added.
"It was a tough mission, but the rescue team managed to locate the missing duo with the help of the air wing following a three-hour search of the area."
The paramedics provided the exhausted couple with the necessary first aid and took them to the bottom of the mountain they were on, Major Sharhan stated.
"The duo, who are staying in another emirate, proved to be in a trip since 9am on the same day, and did not have experience in climbing mountains."
Having lost their way back, the couple contacted the RAK police which immediately sent a well-trained rescue team, he underlined.
"It was challenging to find the couple because of the dark as well as the disconnection of communication with them."
Brigadier Dr Mohammed Saeed Al Humaidi, director general of the central operations department, RAK Police, urged all tourists and workers to take all precautionary measures for their safety while trekking on mountains.
"Climbers need to carry special equipment and wear protective clothing, and to be accompanied at all times by a qualified trainer who can react in a professional manner during emergencies."
Trekkers and climbers should first learn the basics of rock climbing in an indoor setting before going on a risky trip like this, he warned.
"Climbers need to inform the authorities about their activities, whereabouts and number of climbers, and consult climbing websites to get up-to-date information on local climbing sites."
Trekkers are also advised to bring any means of communication, such as a mobile or satellite phone, he said. "A whistle could also be useful to attract attention."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com