RIYADH, 13 July — Riyadh Governor Prince Salman has ordered the despatch of a helicopter search team to trace and rescue a man lost in the Empty Quarter since Sunday.
Murdi Muhammad Al-Dousiri, 28, who was believed to have headed for the Empty Quarter, was reported missing several days ago.
When he had not returned at the expected time and did not contact his relatives, they informed the Riyadh governor who issued directions to the Civil Defense Department to take immediate action.
Shahir Al-Hamil, head of Al-Saleel governorate, said three field teams, one each from the governorate, police and civil defense were set up immediately on receiving the governor’s orders to make a concerted effort to track down the missing man. However, the rough terrain and the extremely high temperatures in the desert made their task very difficult, he said.
Al-Hamil warned people from going into the desert regions without a prior knowledge of the area and without proper precautions during the summer days.
They should also inform their relatives where they are heading for and the time they intend to spend there. This would ensure a speedy rescue operation in the event of an accident.
