Latest news with #WalidAl-Fadhel
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
15-02-2025
- General
- Arab Times
Kuwaiti diving team removes 5 tons of waste, tackles marine pollution
KUWAIT CITY, Feb 15: The Kuwaiti diving team from the Environmental Volunteering Group has completed the first phase of a major coastal cleaning project along the southern coast of Kuwait, collecting a staggering five tons of plastic waste, timber, and discarded fishing nets. Team leader Walid Al-Fadhel spoke to KUNA on Saturday, detailing the cleanup of key areas such as Bnaider, Al-Zour, Al-Khiran, and Al-Nuwaiseeb. In addition to the waste removal, the team also removed three stranded buoys that were posing a threat to maritime navigation. Al-Fadhel explained that the initiative was launched as a response to the impact of strong seasonal winds, which had pushed debris along the southern coastline. These winds caused high waves that carried various types of waste to the shore. Later, as the winds shifted northward, debris became anchored along the coastline, exacerbating the pollution issue. The Environmental Volunteering Group's efforts are part of an ongoing project aimed at protecting Kuwait's coastlines and marine life from the harmful effects of pollution, especially plastic waste. Al-Fadhel emphasized the environmental dangers posed by plastic waste, referencing a United Nations report that underscores the devastating effects of plastic pollution. The report estimates that plastic waste causes the deaths of one million birds and a quarter of a million marine creatures annually, including endangered species such as turtles. The cleanup project involved the use of specialized equipment, boats, and vehicles to remove waste efficiently. The team plans to continue its efforts across other regions of Kuwait, including areas like Al-Jadilyat and Al-Jahra Reserve, in close collaboration with the Environment Public Authority. Additionally, a dedicated beach cleanup campaign for students is set to take place every Tuesday, fostering youth involvement in environmental conservation. Al-Fadhel also noted the team's ongoing efforts to retrieve abandoned boats and fishing nets from coral reefs, another significant environmental challenge. Beyond their direct cleanup activities, the team has committed to raising awareness about marine conservation through a series of educational campaigns, including lectures and the distribution of informational materials to all segments of society. The Environmental Volunteering Group has worked closely with various governmental, private, and voluntary organizations, as well as relevant international entities across the Gulf region. Al-Fadhel emphasized the importance of such cooperation to exchange expertise and learn from successful projects, ultimately enhancing global marine conservation efforts. He further emphasized the critical need for adherence to the Environmental Protection Law. Not only does this help prevent environmental violations, but it also plays a crucial role in protecting Kuwait's marine ecosystem for future generations. This ongoing initiative highlights the importance of collective responsibility in preserving the natural environment and ensuring a sustainable future for marine life and coastal communities.
