On Sunday, May 18, 2025, the UAE National Guard coordinated two maritime rescue operations off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, successfully saving 16 individuals from sinking vessels.

In the first incident, emergency teams rescued three Asian men from a cargo ship that had begun to sink.

The exact location and cause of the sinking remain undisclosed.

The National Guard worked in conjunction with other emergency services to facilitate the evacuation process, ensuring the safety of the seafarers.

Later the same day, a pleasure boat with a total of 13 passengers, comprising both UAE citizens and residents, also faced sinking conditions while the group was engaged in a picnic at sea.

The rescue operation was carried out by teams from the National Search and Rescue Centre alongside the Coast Guard.

All individuals aboard the pleasure boat were safely evacuated without serious injuries reported.

The National Guard oversees comprehensive search and rescue operations within the Emirates and internationally.

In the first quarter of 2025, the National Guard conducted a total of 168 search and rescue missions, comprising operations both domestically and in regional waters such as the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

The National Guard also emphasized the importance of safety at sea, urging individuals experiencing maritime emergencies to contact emergency services through the designated Search and Rescue Emergency Line at 995 or the Coast Guard Emergency Line at 996.