The Kuwait Dive Team, part of the Environmental Voluntary Foundation, has successfully recovered a 57-foot, 30-ton sunken yacht near Salmiya coast after it capsized due to strong winds, according to a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Monday.

Operation Details:

• Immediate Response: Team leader Walid Al-Fadhel reported the dive team sprang into action upon receiving reports of the sunken vessel, coordinating with relevant authorities to develop a comprehensive recovery plan.

• Hazards Addressed:

  • Navigation risks to marine traffic

  • Potential fuel/oil pollution

  • Safety concerns for beachgoers

Challenges Faced:

• Extreme summer heat (reaching 48°C/118°F)

• Strong winds and high waves

• Rocky seabed near Marina Mall's harbor entrance

• Difficulties deploying salvage equipment

Multi-Agency Cooperation:

The operation involved:
✓ Coast Guard - Full operational support
✓ Fire Force Marine Rescue
✓ Kuwait Municipality
✓ Marina Mall management
✓ Volunteer divers

Environmental Advocacy:

Al-Fadhel urged boat owners to exercise caution, noting abandoned vessels cause:

• Marine pollution (fuel/oil leaks)

• Navigation hazards

• Public safety risks

Historical Context:

Since its 1986 founding, the all-volunteer team has conducted:
• 320+ salvage operations
• 47 environmental cleanups in 2023 alone
• Continuous monitoring of Kuwait's 500km coastline