It is understood that when the 20-year-old woman began drowning on a beach in the popular United Arab Emirates city, her father stopped lifeguards from saving her on account of the fact they would have to touch her,
According to Lt Col Ahmed Burqibah, Deputy Director of Dubai Police’s Search and Rescue Department, the man physically prevented men from going to his daughter's aid.
Recalling the incident he described as 'unforgettable', he said: "He started pulling and preventing the rescue men and got violent with them. He told them that he prefers his daughter being dead than being touched by a strange man."
Tragically, the man's action cost his daughter her life, with Lt Col Ahmed Burqibah explaining: "She died unfortunately, at a time when she had a chance to live, especially that the rescue men were so close to her to pull her out of the water."
Following the shocking incident, the man was arrested by Dubai police for obstructing the rescue team from doing their job.
Our thoughts go out to the young woman's friends and extended family at this devastating time.
