DAMMAM: Vessels at the docks of Jubail, Qatif, Dammam and Al-Khobar were barred from putting to sea from Wednesday due to high winds and poor visibility off the coast of the Eastern Province, the regional Border Guard said Thursday. A Border Guard spokesman said the measure was taken in response to warnings from the Presidency of Meteorology of possible sandstorms, and reminded the public of the emergency number 994 which is open for both weather inquiries and requests for emergency help. The Border Guard said that it had performed a number of rescue operations off the east coast Wednesday, coming to the aid of a six-crew boat that was “close to sinking”, and a swimmer off Dammam's Half Moon Beach who had found himself in difficulties when struck by cramp. One young man was also taken to hospital with head injuries resulting from a quad bike collision on the beach.
