Off the coast of Dubai, Zarir Saifuddin, a renowned freediving expert, narrowly escaped death during a perilous spearfishing expedition.
Saifuddin, known for his expertise in diving without scuba gear, encountered a life-threatening situation when he lost consciousness due to water filling his lungs during a dive near Moon Island, approximately 70 kilometers from Dubai’s shore.
Eyewitnesses recount the harrowing ordeal, stating that Saifuddin’s friends, in a desperate bid to save him, rushed him to Moon Island, where they sought immediate assistance.
Fortunately, a member of Dubai’s royal family, who happened to be in the vicinity, swiftly responded to the distress call. Dispatching his personal medical team, the royal family member coordinated with local authorities and ensured timely medical intervention.
“It was the quick response of the royal medical team that kept Saifuddin alive,” remarked witnesses at the scene. Video captured the dramatic airlift of Saifuddin by a Dubai Police helicopter, underscoring the urgency and efficiency of the rescue operation.
Speaking about the incident, Saifuddin expressed gratitude to the royal family, Dubai Police, security personnel on Moon Island, his friends, and the medical staff at Rashid Hospital for their rapid response and dedicated care.
“The response time of Dubai Police was incredible. To reach someone that far offshore in just a few minutes is not something I thought could be possible,” Saifuddin remarked.
A member of the medical team involved in Saifuddin’s rescue, Almir Smajlovic, detailed the severity of the situation. “There was significant water in his lungs, affecting his breathing.
He required extensive medical attention and rested for over 48 hours,” Smajlovic stated. Despite Saifuddin’s expertise in freediving, the depth of his dive—approximately 32 meters—and the complexity of retrieving fish from an underwater cave posed considerable risks.
Freediving, an ancient technique historically used in pearl diving, requires divers to descend deep into the ocean with a single breath.
While recreational dives up to 20 meters are relatively safe, depths exceeding 40 meters are perilous and demand exceptional skill. Saifuddin, revered for his proficiency in deep-water spearfishing, faced critical challenges during this expedition.
Following his discharge from Rashid Hospital, Saifuddin continued to experience discomfort in his chest, indicative of lingering effects from the incident.
“Fluids in the lungs take time to fully dissipate, and damage to air sacs requires gradual recovery,” explained Smajlovic, highlighting the physical toll of Saifuddin’s near-death experience.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with extreme freediving and spearfishing activities.
Despite the dangers, Saifuddin’s survival stands as a testament to the swift response of emergency services and the crucial role played by the royal intervention in averting a tragic outcome.
As Saifuddin recuperates, the freediving community and enthusiasts around the world reflect on the bravery and resilience exhibited in the face of adversity, emphasizing the importance of safety protocols and preparedness in high-risk underwater endeavors.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members