internationalsos.com - Press releases

Bahrain: Pleasure Boat Capsizes

31 March 2006

London

International SOS confirms that it is working with clients in Bahrain following the tragic capsizing of the pleasure boat approximately one mile of the Bahraini coast last night with a loss of at least 57 passengers.  Reports indicate that the two-deck dhow may have been overloaded and capsized quickly in calm seas. Approximately 140 people were believed to have been on board, 67 of whom have been confirmed rescued. Bahrain’s coastguard and personnel from the Bahrain-based US 5th Fleet attended the incident.

Citizens from the following countries are believed to have been on board: Bangladesh, Egypt, Germany, India, Ireland, Nepal, Pakistan, Poland, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the UK and US.

Most of those on board are believed to have been celebrating progress in the construction of Bahrain’s World Trade Centre. There is no suggestion at this stage that the sinking was anything other than an accident. The vessel appears to have floundered quickly, and reports indicate that heavy equipment in the kitchens may have shifted, accelerating the capsizing process.

A team of medical and crisis experts has been deployed today from International SOS to provide medical and logistical assistance to clients. 

For further information:

The Bahraini Ministry of Interior hotline is +973 177 00000.

International SOS members who are concerned about missing persons should contact International SOS London on +44 (0) 208 762 8008.  For general enquiries please call Reena Pabari on + 44 (0) 7739 079 146.