Saudi Gazette report DAMMAM — A Saudi father drowned in an attempt to save his seven-year-old son who fell in the sea off Qatif on Friday, Eastern Province Red Crescent spokesman Abdullah Al-Qabili said. The man was identified as Hani Al-Hamran in his 40s. He was able to save his son before he died. "Witnesses pulled the man out but his lungs were filled with water. The paramedics said the man's heart stopped beating and he stopped breathing shortly afterward. They took him and his son to Al-Muwasah Hospital,” said Al-Qabili. Abdullah Al-Dhamin, a colleague of the victim, said Al-Hamran was an artist and a teacher at a public school. “He was a very talented but was a quiet person. He took great care of his students. He participated in many galleries, festivals and held many workshops in Qatif. He was a true arts activist who made sure art always had a place in people's hearts,” said Al-Dhamin. Abbas Abu Raqiyah, a colleague of the victim, said Al-Hamran went with his sons Ahmad, 5, and Mohammad, 7, to the corniche in Al-Mishari District. “They would go there to fish on weekends. It was a hobby he practiced. Mohammad went into the water and began swimming. He was having fun until the waves were becoming larger and stronger,” said Abu Raqiyah. He added his son was screaming for help so Al-Hamran jumped into the water to save him. “Others at the corniche noticed the commotion and began jumping in to save Al-Hamran and his boy. In the midst of the commotion, another 8-year-old boy went down in the water as he and his father jumped in to save Mohammad. The eight-year-old was saved and is now in intensive care,” said Abu Raqiyah.
