Whale Shark Rescue Plan

July 26, 2009

Release from: A. Saleh
Kuwait Times

KUWAIT: Officials said the Environment Public Authority (EPA) has approved two plans that have been put forth by the Scientific Center to safely remove a whale shark that has been present at the Marina Crescent of Marina Mall. The operation will begin at high tide today with participation from members of the Scientific Center and other diving teams.

EPA director Dr. Salah Al-Mudhi said attempts to remove the shark must be safe and well-planned to avoid any negative results, such as those that have taken place over the past few days. He said several options to remove the shark were discussed, but maintained that there was a lack of proper tools and equipment to execute such operations.

Meanwhile, Board Chairman and Managing Director of the Scientific Center, Mijbel Al-Mutawa, said the center was keen to cooperate with other teams to safely remove the whale shark and get it to safety.

Later, the director of the Marina Yachts Club, Khalid Al-Muhanna, said the club's administration referred an employee who hit the whale shark for investigations, adding that he was suspended from work and will be fired after investigations are completed. Al-Muhanna said the employee's inhumane action was personal and that he did not inform the administration about his intentions. Al-Muhanna maintained that the employee was warned three times not to approach the whale, adding that the marina's administration rejected such actions and strongly condemned them.