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The UAE announced the rescue of 22 people of Asian nationalities, following a fire that broke out on board an oil tanker in the waters of the Arabian Gulf, after the intervention of the Coast Guard teams of the National Guard, which were able to evacuate all crew members and provide first aid to them.

The UAE National Guard explained that the rescue operation came after the Coast Guard group received a report from the tanker’s crew indicating that a fire had broken out on board. The specialized teams initiated emergency response procedures and were able to locate the tanker, reach it, and rescue its 22 crew members.

He added that the teams provided the necessary first aid to the survivors, before handing them over to the relevant authorities to complete the procedures, stressing that all crew members are in a stable health condition.

The National Guard indicated that the operation reflects the readiness of the Coast Guard teams to deal with maritime accidents and emergencies, and the speed of responding to distress reports, which contributes to protecting lives and enhancing maritime security and safety.

The Saudi Civil Aviation Authority announced that King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was subjected to an attack on Saturday afternoon, resulting in a number of casualties that are being identified.

The authority explained, in a statement, that operational operations at the airport have been temporarily suspended, until the damage assessment is completed and the safety of the facilities is verified, in coordination with the competent authorities, adding that it will announce developments later.

The statement indicated that this incident came in light of the continuing blatant attacks targeting civil aviation facilities in Saudi Arabia.

In turn, King Khalid International Airport issued a warning to travelers about the need to communicate directly with air carriers and check the flight status before heading there.

For its part, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on citizens whose flights were affected or who were unable to reach their destinations as a result of the suspension or delay of some flights heading to King Khalid International Airport, to contact the Kingdom’s missions in the countries in which they are located, in order to request assistance and provide the necessary instructions.

A large crowd performed the dead prayer for Captain Pilot Hamoud Al-Kalthami at Al-Quraiqri Mosque in Jeddah, on Saturday afternoon, before his body was buried in the Salhiya Cemetery in the northeast of the governorate, in the midst of a large presence of his relatives, lovers, and colleagues from Saudi Airlines, workers in the aviation sector, and members of the community.

Thousands flocked to the mosque early, offering their condolences to the families of Captain Hamoud Al-Kalthami, who was martyred as a result of an attack targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, on Thursday.

Sadness prevailed over the captain’s passing among workers in the Saudi aviation sector, whether those present in the mosque and cemetery or through various social media platforms. A number of them recalled his good conduct, his cheerfulness, his high morals, and his usual positions with his colleagues throughout his career, leaving an indelible impression on their souls.

Khaled Salmeen Bahashwan spoke about the deceased, saying: “I have 33 years in Saudi Airlines, during which I worked with Al-Kalthami for more than 22 years,” adding: “I knew him through my work in air operations transporting navigators. Every day he came to us to take him to or from his plane, we saw him with his beautiful manners, and his kind smile that was not always absent from his features, and he met everyone with it and his loving spirit.”

Bahashwan continued in a statement to Asharq Al-Awsat: “The deceased is married and has two daughters, and no matter how much we talk about his generous character, his cheerfulness, and what is on my mind towards him, I will not do him justice for the beautiful qualities that he possessed and captivated everyone who knew him closely.”

He added: “We, his colleagues, saw nothing but goodness and high morals from the deceased, and he had the utmost humanity in him. He was distinguished by his cheerful spirit, his cheerfulness, and his sincere smile, and was known for his righteousness and great concern for his family, and for his loyalty and standing by everyone.” He concluded his speech by praying for the deceased that God would accept him among the martyrs, expand his grave, and place him in the highest paradise.

In turn, flight attendant Rayan Saeed said in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat: “I did not work directly with the deceased on any flight one day, but I attended the funeral and burial prayers as a duty for a colleague, brother, and friend about whom we remember all the good and commendable qualities. We did not see or hear about him except all the good ones, and we only know about him by his cheerful face, open-heartedness, and good, gentle manners.”

Rayan Saeed added: “The deceased was chosen by God, and his good reputation was reflected in this large gathering of attendees who were keen to be present today. We ask God to forgive him, have mercy on him, and accept him among the martyrs.”

“Saudi Airlines” mourned Captain Al-Kalthami, and recalled what he provided during his professional career in the service of the national carrier, and the good reputation he left behind among his colleagues, offering sincere condolences and sincere sympathy to his family, relatives, and colleagues, asking God to cover him with His vast mercy and forgiveness, and to dwell him in spacious Paradise, and to inspire his family and lovers with patience and solace.

The company explained, in a statement on Friday, that the incident “resulted in damage to one of its aircraft while it was on the airport grounds, without guests on board at the time of its occurrence,” adding that it “immediately activated emergency response procedures, in coordination with the competent authorities; To deal with its repercussions, follow up on the conditions of those affected, and provide the necessary care and support for them and their families.”

The family of the late Hamoud Al-Kalthami will receive mourners at the headquarters of the “Saudi Airlines Club” in the Khalidiya neighborhood in Jeddah, starting from Sunday to Tuesday.