Latest news with #EnvironmentalVoluntaryFoundation
Kuwait Times
28-07-2025
- General
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait Dive Team tows sunken boat from Salmiya waters
KUWAIT: The Kuwait Dive Team, operating under the Environmental Voluntary Foundation (EVF), has salvaged a 30-ton vessel off Al-Salmiya's coast, the team's chief Walid Al-Fadhel said on Monday. Al-Fadhel told KUNA that the 57-foot-long boat that had drifted due to strong winds and was a hazard to navigation and leaking oil into the waters close to the Marine yachts harbor. The personnel involved in the operation stabilized the vessel and collected some of its scattered debris at the spot where yachts and boats pass regularly, Al-Fadhel said, indicating the Coast Guards had put all their available resources at the disposal of lifting the boat and its remains in coordination with other authorities. The diver succeeded in floating and towing the boat despite some difficulties such as the scorching heat, strong winds and rocky hurdles. Al-Fadhel urged sea-goers to take precautions and spare themselves such accidents, noting that waste left behind at the sea is a pollutant to the environment. (end)The Kuwaiti Diving Team has carried out such missions since 1986. — KUNA
Arab Times
28-07-2025
- General
- Arab Times
Kuwait Dive Team recovers sunken boat despite harsh conditions
KUWAIT CITY, July 28: The Kuwait Dive Team, operating under the Environmental Voluntary Foundation (EVF), successfully recovered a 57-foot yacht weighing approximately 30 tons after it sank off the coast of Salmiya due to strong winds, posing a risk to maritime safety and the environment. Team leader Walid Al-Fadhel told KUNA that the yacht had drifted dangerously near the entrance to the Marina Mall Port, a route frequently used by boats and yachts. The vessel, which had begun leaking fuel and oil, was considered an urgent hazard to marine navigation and a potential source of pollution. Upon receiving reports of the incident, the dive team quickly coordinated with relevant authorities to develop and execute a comprehensive recovery plan. The General Directorate of Coast Guard played a key role in facilitating the operation by providing vital support and equipment in collaboration with other agencies. Despite facing high temperatures, strong winds, and difficult underwater terrain, the divers managed to stabilize, float, and tow the vessel. The rocky seabed and hazardous location added complexity to the effort, particularly in deploying recovery tools safely. In addition to salvaging the yacht, the team collected scattered debris in the area, which could have further threatened passing vessels. Al-Fadhel stressed the importance of maritime safety and urged boat owners to ensure proper maintenance and secure mooring to prevent similar incidents. He also highlighted the environmental consequences of neglect, including marine pollution caused by abandoned or damaged vessels. Al-Fadhel extended his gratitude to all the participating entities, including the Coast Guard, the Marine Rescue Unit of the General Fire Force, Kuwait Municipality, Marina Mall management, and dedicated volunteers who supported the mission. Since its founding in 1986, the Kuwait Dive Team has carried out numerous voluntary operations aimed at preserving the marine environment and ensuring the safety of Kuwaiti waters.
Arab Times
09-07-2025
- Arab Times
Shark and jellyfish sightings surge in Kuwaiti waters during summer
KUWAIT CITY, July 9: Sharks and jellyfish are among the most frequently observed marine creatures in Kuwaiti waters during the summer months, largely due to rising sea temperatures, according to the Kuwait Diving Team. Waleed Al-Fadhel, head of the team and a member of the Environmental Voluntary Foundation (EVF), told KUNA that sharks play a crucial role in maintaining the marine ecological balance and contribute to cleaning the underwater environment. He clarified that while many people fear sharks, the species found in Kuwait—primarily in the muddy northern areas and coral reef zones in the south—are generally not dangerous. The great white shark, often viewed as the most threatening, is not found in Kuwaiti waters. Al-Fadhel emphasized that a number of shark species are facing the risk of extinction, citing studies that show around 20 to 30 percent have perished due to harmful human activities and environmental violations. He stressed the team's commitment to marine conservation, noting multiple rescue operations involving sharks trapped in abandoned fishing nets, particularly around Kubbar Island and various parts of Kuwaiti waters. Speaking about jellyfish, known locally as dol, Al-Fadhel stated that their presence peaks in June and July. Though their stings can cause pain, the species in Kuwait are not fatal. However, their large numbers have been known to disrupt operations at desalination plants, prompting the installation of nets and filters to mitigate their impact. He described jellyfish as ancient marine inhabitants whose seasonal arrival is influenced by water currents and wind patterns. In addition to being part of the ecological balance, they serve as a vital food source for sea turtles. Al-Fadhel advised beachgoers and swimmers to wear full protective swimwear to minimize the risk of stings and to avoid swimming in areas known to be heavily populated by jellyfish.
Arab Times
06-05-2025
- General
- Arab Times
Kuwait Diving Team secures coral reefs with 107 new moorings
KUWAIT CITY, May 6: The Kuwait Diving Team, affiliated with the Environmental Voluntary Foundation (EVF), has successfully completed the maintenance of marine moorings on Qaruh Island. This initiative is part of an ongoing, comprehensive project aimed at maintaining marine moorings around coral reef sites to protect and preserve these vital ecosystems. Team leader Waleed Al-Fadhel told KUNA on Tuesday that the team had initiated the periodic maintenance project for marine moorings at coral reef sites along Kuwait's southern islands and coasts. The maintenance work on Qaruh Island has now been completed, with a total of 22 moorings installed around the island. In total, the team has completed the installation of 107 moorings across various Kuwaiti islands and coasts. These moorings are designed with high specifications and durability to accommodate different sizes of boats and yachts. Al-Fadhel noted that many seafarers have taken the initiative to use these moorings, as they are strategically placed around the southern islands and coral reefs to meet both aesthetic and environmental requirements. He emphasized that these moorings serve a crucial purpose by marking coral reef locations, which pose a risk to boats, particularly during low tides. As the first line of defense, the moorings protect the reefs from potential damage caused by improper human practices. Al-Fadhel also highlighted the importance of Kuwait's coral reefs, which are found around the southern coral islands and some coasts. These reefs serve as a sanctuary for marine creatures and fish and provide significant health and economic benefits. Many coastal nations rely on coral reefs for their economic well-being. The team, which includes skilled divers and an integrated maintenance workshop, works diligently to ensure that the project is completed efficiently. They also have boats specifically designated for this environmental initiative. Al-Fadhel described Qaruh as one of Kuwait's most beautiful islands, characterized by its clear waters and dense, diverse coral, including species such as the Arabian branch, giant mass humpback, and table branch. The island also hosts a variety of fish and attracts turtles for egg-laying. He urged fishermen not to fish too close to coral reefs using nets, as this can harm marine life, damage the reefs, and pose a threat to maritime navigation. Such actions also violate environmental laws, he stressed.
Arab Times
23-04-2025
- General
- Arab Times
Kuwait Diving Team removes 8 tons of waste from Ushairij coast
KUWAIT CITY, April 23: The Kuwait Diving Team, affiliated with the Environmental Voluntary Foundation (EVF), has successfully concluded the first phase of its coastal cleanup initiative along the Ushairij coast. During this phase, the team removed eight tons of plastic waste, discarded fishing nets, wood, iron debris, barrels, and tires—materials that pose significant environmental and navigational hazards. Team leader Waleed Al-Fadhel explained that this effort is part of the activities commemorating International Mother Earth Day, observed annually on April 22. He emphasized that Ushairij is a vital environmental area in southern Kuwait Bay, serving as a habitat for wildlife and a crucial stopover for migratory birds traveling from North Asia to Africa. The area also hosts the Umm Al-Naml Island Nature Reserve and holds historical significance for Kuwait. Al-Fadhel noted that the cleanup efforts are expected to continue for several days due to the substantial amount of waste present, requiring coordinated efforts for this comprehensive environmental operation. He highlighted that the team's projects focused on waste removal from Kuwaiti beaches are progressing successfully. This initiative aligns with the team's objectives since its establishment in 1986 and supports the global "Clean Seas" campaign launched by the United Nations Environment Programme's Regional Office for West Asia. The campaign aims to protect seas from plastic and other waste and safeguard marine life. The team is preparing to submit its periodic report to the office, headquartered in Beirut. Al-Fadhel mentioned that the team responds promptly to reports and coordinates directly with relevant government agencies and volunteers to complete the work. Over the past four months, several projects have been completed to remove waste from Kuwaiti coasts, including areas such as East Al-Judayliyyat, Sulaibikhat, Kuwait Towers, Al-Salam, Nuwaiseeb, Al-Zour, Bnaider, and Khiran. He urged beachgoers and the community to contribute to preserving the marine environment, as it is a source of livelihood, and to protect its coasts as tourist destinations while maintaining ecological balance. Al-Fadhel stressed the need for increased environmental monitoring by authorities to deter violators. He expressed gratitude to government agencies assisting in this voluntary and environmental work, notably the Environment Public Authority, the General Directorate of Coast Guard, the Kuwait Ports Authority, Kuwait Municipality, and the Public Authority for Agriculture and Fish Resources, in addition to private sector institutions and volunteers. Al-Fadhel also acknowledged the government's efforts and pioneering environmental initiatives to protect the Ashirj and Kuwait Bay areas. These include removing the fishing village and Ashirj port, limiting industrial activity, and halting overfishing in Kuwait Bay, resulting in the recovery of the coastal environment and the smooth movement of water currents and beach sand. The Kuwait Diving Team continues to play a pivotal role in marine conservation, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to preserving Kuwait's coastal and marine ecosystems through proactive cleanup efforts and community engagement.
