Teen’s 18th birthday turns tragic as Dubai jet ski accident claims his life.
Dubai: A holiday trip turned into a heartbreaking tragedy when an 18-year-old tourist from Mauritius drowned in a jet ski accident on the same day she turned 18, leaving her family devastated by the fact that her birth date and date of death would forever remain the same. Her teenage relative survived after suffering critical injuries and being rescued in a dramatic marine operation.
The case remains one of the most emotional incidents handled by the Dubai Police Victim Support Team.
First Lieutenant Meera Al Hadad, Head of the Victim Support Team at Dubai Police Port Station, told that the team’s work extends beyond investigations, providing ongoing assistance to victims and families dealing with trauma, serious injuries and bereavement.
The team, comprising First Lieutenant Meera, Captain Waleed and Major Khalil, responded to 144 cases in 2025 involving sea-related incidents, including drownings, jet ski accidents and other maritime emergencies.
Birthday celebration ends in tragedy
The two teenagers, aged 17 and 18, had travelled from Mauritius to Dubai for a holiday and to celebrate the older teenager’s 18th birthday. During a jet ski outing, they decided to switch seats while returning from their ride.
The younger and less experienced teenager took control of the jet ski, but lost control after accelerating moments later. The watercraft crashed into a breakwater, leading to the fatal accident.
The jet ski struck a breakwater, throwing both teenagers into the water. The 18-year-old birthday girl drowned at the scene, while her relative suffered serious injuries after being thrown against the rocks. Marine rescue teams quickly responded, freeing the injured teenager and transporting her to hospital for urgent medical care.
The tragedy unfolded on the same day the young tourist celebrated her 18th birthday, meaning her date of birth and date of death were the same.
“The most painful part was that it happened on her 18th birthday,” First Lieutenant Meera said, describing the incident as one of the most heartbreaking cases handled by the team. “She was very young, and her family had travelled to Dubai to celebrate a special occasion that was meant to bring happiness and unforgettable memories.”
Race against time saves survivor
The second teenager suffered critical injuries, including a severe leg injury that required multiple surgeries. Dubai Police marine rescue teams responded quickly, bringing her to safety and transporting her to hospital for emergency care.
Meera said the teenager was in a critical condition and was close to losing her life when rescuers reached the scene.
“The rescue team’s rapid response made a significant difference. Any delay could have led to a tragic outcome,” she said.
The Victim Support Team stayed closely connected with the injured teenager and her family throughout the recovery process, helping coordinate hospital arrangements, tracking her medical progress and providing support while the family was away from home.
The family later praised the level of care and attention provided by Dubai Police, telling officers that despite having travelled to several countries, they had never experienced such personal follow-up and assistance from a police service.
After months of medical treatment and rehabilitation, the teenager gradually regained her health and was eventually able to return to her home country.
Sailor survives serious rope accident
In another case highlighted by First Lieutenant Meera, a sailor narrowly survived a severe workplace accident while working aboard a dhow being towed at sea.
The worker was performing routine duties and releasing a mooring rope as the vessel began moving. Unaware that the rope had become entangled around his leg, he continued with his task until the line tightened, resulting in a traumatic amputation.
He was immediately taken to hospital, where doctors successfully reattached the severed limb during emergency surgery. The sailor later underwent extensive treatment and rehabilitation before recovering.
Dubai Police’s Victim Support Team remained in regular contact with the injured worker throughout his recovery, visiting him in hospital, explaining procedures and helping him access available support services. Despite language barriers, officers ensured he remained informed and supported throughout the process.
After recovering from his injuries, the sailor returned to personally thank the officers who had supported him throughout his treatment and rehabilitation journey.
Support beyond emergencies
Dubai Police’s Victim Support Team provides assistance that extends beyond responding to emergencies, offering emotional, practical and humanitarian support to victims and their families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
In an exclusive interview with, Brigadier Dr Hassan Suhail Al Suwaidi, Director of Dubai Police Ports Station, said Dubai Police has expanded its victim-support initiatives to ensure assistance continues well beyond emergency responses and investigations.
He explained that specialised teams stay in regular contact with injured people and accident victims, visiting them in hospitals, following their recovery and helping them manage the challenges that often arise after traumatic experiences. The support is especially valuable for tourists and visitors who may need extra assistance while dealing with emergencies far from their home countries.
Meera said marine accidents come with unique challenges, including drownings, jet ski collisions, boating incidents and workplace injuries at sea.
She explained that the Victim Support Team works closely with marine rescue teams, investigators and other departments to ensure victims and their families receive the necessary guidance and assistance throughout the recovery journey.
“Our responsibility does not end once an incident is reported,” Meera said. “We continue to follow up, answer questions, connect people with the right services and ensure they feel supported.”
Reflecting on her years of service, she said every case leaves a lasting impact, but helping victims rebuild their lives and supporting families as they seek closure remains the most rewarding part of the work.
“Seeing someone recover, return to their normal life and come back to thank the team is what makes this work truly meaningful,” she said.
