Ghantoot, UAE — An Indian family camping near the shore in Ghantoot on Sunday morning found themselves in a precarious situation when the tide rose while they slept, leaving their car half-submerged in water.
With their vehicle drifting further from the shore, the family turned to Instagram for help, reaching out to Dubai-based off-road rescuer Ahmad Hiskol.
“I thought it was a prank at first,” Hiskol said. “But once I realized it was serious, I knew we had to act fast.”
Hiskol, along with his wife Nora and two fellow rescuers, Ayham and Abdul Rahman, immediately sprang into action.
By 8 a.m., they packed their gear, including winches, cables, and extensions, and drove from their home in Remraam, Dubai, toward Ghantoot, a distance of about 45 minutes.
Upon their arrival at 8:45 a.m., they found the Nissan Patrol nearly 40 meters from the shore, submerged in about five meters of water and slowly drifting away as the tide continued to rise.
“The car was fully submerged,” said Hiskol. “It was shocking to see how quickly the tide had pulled it in.” The team quickly assessed the situation and set to work on what would turn into a 3.5-hour rescue mission.
Using their powerful RAM trucks, they deployed winches to pull the vehicle back to safety. However, the operation proved to be far more challenging than anticipated. At one point, a winch cable snapped under the pressure of the water and the car’s weight.
Despite the setback, the team refused to give up. “We had to first turn the car, as it was on its side underwater, and then use both winches to pull it in,” Hiskol explained.
The rocky seabed beneath the water worked in their favor, as it helped prevent the car from sinking deeper into the water or sustaining additional damage. “If it had been sand, it could have caused more damage or made the situation worse,” he added.
The team worked tirelessly from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., carefully maneuvering the car out of the water. In the end, their efforts paid off: the car was safely pulled from the water without any damage.
Hiskol, who runs rescue missions across the UAE with his wife Nora, was pleased with the outcome. “It took a lot of effort, teamwork, and focus, but seeing the family safe and the car out of the water made it all worth it,” he said.
The family, who had been unaware of the rising tide when they parked their vehicle too close to the water, expressed their immense gratitude to the rescuers for their quick response.
The dramatic operation showcased not only the expertise of the rescuers but also the importance of preparedness when venturing near the coast.
For Ahmad and his team, this rescue mission stands out as one of their most challenging. “It was one of the toughest rescues we’ve done, but it’s moments like these that make the work so rewarding,” he said.
The rescue operation serves as a reminder to those camping or driving near coastal areas to remain cautious of changing tide conditions, which can pose serious risks to vehicles and campers alike.