DAMMAM: The Border Guards in the Eastern Province has lifted a ban on large fishing boats, but recreational boats will not be allowed to sail because of poor weather conditions. Strong winds Wednesday night led the Border Guard to shut down all boating activity in the area, said Col. Muhammad Al-Ghamdi, spokesman for the Eastern Province Borders Guard. “The ban is restricted to small boats that sail from Jubail, Ras Tanoura, Al-Qateef and Al-Khobar,” he said. “The ban has been lifted for boats at least 16 meters in length because they can handle these weather conditions. The ban will be imposed again if weather conditions deteriorate and the wind speed doubles.” The Border Guards' stations, marine sectors and rescue units are on alert in case of any emergency, he added. Al-Ghamdi called on all fishermen to communicate with the Border Guards' Command and Control Center if they have an emergency and make sure they have the appropriate safety equipment. A number of fishermen in the Eastern Province have decided to leave their boats in the quays during this time, but Ridha Al-Fardan, a fisherman, said some boats set sail after 10.00 A.M., after completion of legal procedures and obtaining the required permits, and expected more would follow. The severe winds and choppy seas are a source of concern for all fishermen, he added. Hussein Aal Talib, another fisherman, said many of his colleagues are afraid that the winds will become stronger and pose a greater threat. He stressed that fishermen fear strong winds more than dust.
