The Aoun Qatar rescue team provides essential assistance to stranded vehicles in the desert, especially during peak winter months. With a high volume of calls each week, the team is well-trained and equipped for various rescue scenarios, often collaborating with government resources. Their swift response is crucial for ensuring the safety of both locals and tourists engaging in desert activities.
In Qatar’s desert, Raghdan Salem Zodeh, a Syrian expatriate, faced an urgent situation as his SUV became stuck in wet sand, threatened by rising tides. Within 10 minutes, the Aoun Qatar rescue team arrived, equipped with towing cables to assist him. Zodeh appreciated the team’s quick response, describing their actions as ‘chivalrous’ and stating, ‘It’s not a scary thing.’
The cooler months in Qatar attract many adventure-seekers, including expatriates and tourists, who enjoy off-roading and camping in the desert. However, this surge in desert activities coincides with an increase in distress calls to rescue teams. The Aoun Qatar group, which operates alongside three other volunteer teams, plays a crucial role in providing aid to stranded drivers.
Team leader Mohammed Essa Yousif indicated that the group receives between 100 to 200 requests for help weekly. Rescues from sandy areas are typically straightforward, while more difficult situations arise from vehicles submerged in water or trapped in muddy spots. The volunteers are well-trained and equipped with towing kits and medical supplies to handle various emergencies.
Rescue missions can require collaboration with government resources, including helicopters or divers, to recover vehicles in precarious conditions. They have faced time-sensitive situations, such as rescuing a vehicle nearly submerged at high tide. On one occasion, the lack of precise location information led to tragedy when a stranded driver perished before help arrived.
As night descended on Sealine, the rescue team responded to another call, helping Iranian resident Hassan Rageb who was stuck with his caravan. Although inexperienced with towing a caravan, he expressed his concern but felt reassured by the team’s presence. New team member Saad Abdulrehman Ansari took pride in assisting those in remote and challenging desert areas, reflecting the commitment of the Aoun Qatar rescue volunteers.
The article highlights the vital role of the Aoun Qatar rescue team in assisting those stranded in the desert, particularly during peak activity months. With increasing desert traffic, these volunteers provide essential aid, operating under challenging conditions and responding swiftly to emergencies. Their commitment, alongside necessary government support, ensures the safety of adventurers seeking enjoyment in Qatar’s desert landscapes.
Original Source: www.al-monitor.com
