A young tourist's birthday celebration in Dubai ended in tragedy when an 18-year-old girl from Mauritius died on her birthday after her jet ski collided with a breakwater, while her teenage relative was critically injured.

This incident, described by the Dubai Police Victim Support Team as one of the most heart-wrenching cases handled by the unit, resulted in the young tourist's date of birth and date of death becoming the same forever.

First Lieutenant Mira Al Haddad, head of the Victim Support Team at the Dubai Ports Police Station, told Gulf News that the team's mission extends beyond police investigations to include continuous support for victims and families dealing with psychological trauma, severe injuries, or the loss of loved ones.

The team, comprised of First Lieutenant Mira Al Haddad, Captain Waleed, and Major Khalil, has handled 144 cases related to maritime incidents in 2025, including drownings, jet ski accidents, and other sea-related mishaps.

Birthday celebration turns into fatal accident

Two teenage girls, aged 17 and 18, had traveled from Mauritius to Dubai for a holiday and to celebrate the older girl's 18th birthday.

While returning from their jet ski excursion, they decided to switch places. The less experienced teenager took control of the jet ski, increased the speed, and lost control moments later.

The jet ski crashed into a breakwater, throwing both teenagers into the water. The 18-year-old girl drowned at the scene, while her relative sustained critical injuries after a violent impact with the rocks.

Marine rescue teams responded immediately, extracting the injured teenager from the rocks and rushing her to the hospital for emergency treatment.

First Lieutenant Mira Al Haddad said: The most painful part of the accident was that it happened exactly on her 18th birthday. She was so young, and her family had come to Dubai to celebrate an occasion that was meant to be filled with joy.

Saving the injured teenager at the last moment

The second teenager suffered severe injuries, including a serious leg injury that required multiple surgeries.

According to Al Haddad, the teenager was on the brink of death when rescue forces arrived, and the team's rapid response played a decisive role in her survival.

She said: The rescue team's quick response made a huge difference. Any delay could have led to catastrophic consequences.

The Dubai Police Victim Support Team remained in contact with the injured teenager and her family throughout all stages of treatment and recovery, assisting with hospital coordination, following up on medical progress, and providing necessary support in a foreign country.

The teenager's family later expressed their amazement at the level of support and personal follow-up from Dubai Police, stating that despite traveling to numerous countries, they had never experienced such support from a police organization.

After months of treatment and rehabilitation, the teenager gradually recovered and was finally able to return to her home country.

Saving a sailor after leg severed by rope

First Lieutenant Mira Al Haddad also highlighted another case involving a sailor who was severely injured in an accident while working on a traditional dhow being towed at sea.

While performing routine duties and untying a mooring rope, the sailor did not realize the rope had wrapped around his leg. As the vessel moved and the rope was pulled tight, his leg was severely damaged and severed.

The sailor was rushed to the hospital, where doctors successfully reattached the severed limb in an emergency surgery. He recovered after a long period of treatment and rehabilitation.

The Dubai Police Victim Support Team maintained regular contact with him during this time, visiting him in the hospital, explaining the treatment stages and administrative procedures, and ensuring his access to support services.

Despite language barriers, officers made every effort to keep the sailor informed about all stages of his case and treatment. After his recovery, he personally visited the police station to thank the officers who had supported him during his treatment and rehabilitation.

Continued support after the incident ends

Brigadier Dr. Hassan Soheil Al Suwaidi, Director of Dubai Ports Police Station, stated that Dubai Police has strengthened victim support programs to ensure that assistance for affected individuals continues even after the emergency situation and police investigations have concluded.

According to him, specialized teams regularly communicate with injured individuals and victims of accidents, visit them in hospitals, monitor their recovery process, and help them cope with the challenges arising from tragic incidents.

This support is particularly significant for tourists and visitors who require additional assistance while away from their home countries.

Al Haddad also noted that maritime accidents, ranging from drownings and jet ski crashes to boat accidents and occupational injuries at sea, present unique challenges.

She explained that the Victim Support Team collaborates with marine rescue units, investigation teams, and other departments to ensure that victims and their families receive the necessary guidance and support throughout all stages of treatment and recovery.

She said: Our responsibility does not end with recording an incident. We follow up on the case, answer questions, guide individuals to appropriate services, and ensure they do not feel alone.

Al Haddad added that helping victims return to their normal lives and helping families find peace is the most rewarding part of this mission.

She said: Seeing someone recover, return to a normal life, and visit to thank the team is what makes this work truly meaningful.