Qatar suspends maritime navigation and activities for security reasons

The Qatari Ministry of Transport on Monday temporarily suspended maritime navigation and marine activities as a precautionary measure to safeguard public safety. In a statement, the ministry called on all owners and users of marine vessels, including tourist boats, fishing boats, jet skis, and similar watercraft, to temporarily suspend navigation and all maritime activities with immediate effect until further notice. The ministry stated that the measure does not apply to vessels operating under international maritime conventions, which will continue their operations in accordance with applicable regulations and procedures. The ministry said the precautionary measure was taken in coordination with the relevant security authorities and urged the public to comply with the issued statement. The announcement came a day after the Qatari Ministry of Interior said a Qatari national was found dead and another Arab national injured after a missing boat was located following an overnight search operation. According to the ministry, maritime search and rescue teams found the boat in the early hours of Sunday local time and confirmed that the Qatari national had died from shrapnel injuries sustained during military operations in the area.