Syrian Embassy Rescues Five Stranded Sailors Off Jazan

The Syrian Embassy in Riyadh intervened to secure the release of five Syrian sailors, including their captain, who had been stranded for six months off the coast of Jazan. The diplomatic mission coordinated directly with relevant Saudi authorities to facilitate the crew's entry into the Kingdom and end their prolonged ordeal at sea.

Emergency Response Coordination

In a statement, the embassy confirmed it acted immediately upon receiving a distress call via its emergency hotline. This rapid response triggered direct coordination with Saudi competent authorities, resulting in the successful rescue of the five mariners. The operation concluded a maritime crisis that had persisted for half a year near the Jazan port.

Captain’s Account of Ordeal

Captain Walid Muhammad Abu Bakr, originally from Arwad Island, detailed the harrowing experience to the state news agency SANA. He described facing uncertainty amidst Red Sea storms while supplies of food and fuel dwindled. According to Abu Bakr, the ship’s owner abandoned the crew, leaving them exposed to danger and illness before the Syrian embassy’s intervention and cooperation with Saudi authorities offered a glimmer of hope.

The captain explained that hunger, thirst, and fuel exhaustion besieged the crew, forcing them to ration electricity despite high temperatures. The crisis began when maritime inspectors and Jazan port authorities refused to allow the vessel to dock for loading due to its poor technical condition. The ship’s owner, identified as a Yemeni trader, had purchased the vessel only six months prior before withdrawing from the maritime agency and disappearing to evade financial obligations.

Vessel Condition and Investigation

Officers from the border guard and port management boarded the ship to investigate the situation. Abu Bakr presented documents and logs proving the crew’s innocence regarding the vessel's state. He revealed that the ship was over 45 years old and suffered from severe defects, including holes in its bottom, main beam, and ballast water tanks, which caused water leakage. Additionally, the electrical generators were worn out, and the main engine operated at low efficiency.

Abu Bakr emphasized that communication with the Syrian embassy marked the turning point in the crisis. Official moves began to pressure the maritime agent to find a solution. He praised the efforts that ultimately led to transferring the sailors to Jeddah in preparation for their return to Syria.