Maritime Warning Issued for Latakia and Tartus Coasts
Syria’s Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management has issued a warning regarding an upcoming period of atmospheric and maritime instability affecting the waters off the coasts of Latakia and Tartus. The alert is part of ongoing efforts to mitigate risks associated with volatile weather conditions.
According to an official statement, the period of maritime unrest is set to begin at dawn on Thursday, October 1, and is expected to persist through Saturday, October 3.
Official channels from the Ministry indicated that conditions are expected to involve a period of “moderate risk” as the disturbance begins. Forecasters anticipate wave heights ranging between 0.5 and 1 meter. This instability will be accompanied by active winds blowing at speeds between 20 and 30 km/h, which is expected to exacerbate the unstable conditions in coastal areas.
In light of these conditions, the Ministry’s Early Warning and Preparedness Department has called upon citizens and fishermen to exercise the highest level of vigilance. The issued instructions mandate a complete cessation of all fishing and sailing operations for the duration of the warning. Furthermore, the public has been advised to refrain from swimming and to avoid the use of inflatable boats or any light maritime recreational equipment to ensure the safety of lives.
Specific guidance has been provided regarding public conduct near the shore. Authorities emphasized the importance of constant supervision for children, warning against allowing them to play near the water. Citizens are urged to avoid proximity to rocky barriers, piers, shorelines, and the mouths of valleys or low-lying areas that may be prone to water accumulation. Additionally, the Ministry cautioned against approaching the sea for the purpose of photography or sightseeing, given the potential for increased wave heights and wind intensity.
In the event of an emergency, the Ministry has advised against attempting individual rescue efforts at sea. Instead, the public should immediately contact rescue teams or the Coast Guard and strictly adhere to directives issued by port authorities and relevant emergency services. Citizens are further encouraged to monitor official weather and maritime reports regularly and to comply with all warnings issued by lifeguards.
These warnings follow a recent period of maritime instability that concluded late Tuesday. During that period, wave heights reached between 1 and 1.6 meters, with wind speeds ranging from 25 to 35 km/h. Authorities highlighted that adherence to these ongoing safety warnings remains critical for maintaining public safety across Syrian ports.
Source: Syria Focus Arabic
