DOHA, June 29 (Xinhua) -- Qatar's Ministry of Transport on Monday announced the temporary suspension of 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 recreational boats, fishing boats, jet skis and other similar watercraft, to temporarily suspend navigation and all marine activities with immediate effect until further notice.
The ministry said the measure does not apply to vessels operating under international maritime conventions, which will continue their operations in accordance with applicable regulations and procedures.
It added the precautionary measure was taken in coordination with the relevant security authorities, urging the public to comply with the statement.
The announcement came a day after Qatar's Interior Ministry said a Qatari citizen was found dead and another person of Arab nationality injured after a missing vessel was located following overnight search operations.
According to the ministry, marine search and rescue teams located the vessel in the early hours of Sunday, confirming that the Qatari citizen had died after being struck by shrapnel resulting from military operations in the region. ■
