RIYADH, 8 July — Saudi authorities recently rescued 150 people — 147 Sri Lankans and three Pakistanis — who were aboard a fishing boat that had run into difficulties, the Saudi Press Agency reported quoting an Interior Ministry source.
The source said the boat carrying Sri Lankan flag called for help when it was 77 nautical miles from King Fahd Industrial Port in Yanbu. The passengers were in very poor condition as a result of fatigue and malnutrition.
“The port’s observation tower received the SOS call from the boat on Thursday,” the source said. The crew called for help when the boat ran out of fuel and food supplies were exhausted.
The port authorities immediately responded to the call and brought the boat into port. They also provided the passengers with food, accommodation and health services.
Saudi officials are coordinating with Sri Lankan and Pakistani embassies to complete procedures for a safe return journey of the stranded passengers.
