Crowds throng Jeddah beach, several rescued from the sea

The festive spirit of Eid Al-Fitr continued through the weekend with a huge turnout of families at Jeddah's waterfront as authorities intensified patrols and rescue operations to keep the crowds under control and to save holidaymakers from the dangers of the sea.

Thousands of people from Jeddah and around the Kingdom converged at the Corniche to enjoy the numerous activities on offer including swimming and boating. Cars crawled on Corniche Road as visitors made a beeline for a view of the waterfront from the roadside.

Some brought gallons of water with them to wash off the saline sea waters after swimming in the Red Sea.

The eastern, northern and southern Corniche witnessed mammoth gatherings of expatriates and Saudi citizens ringing in good news for the furnished suites and accommodation sector which reported full occupancy at unusually high prices and fully booked up until next Saturday.

A receptionist in one of the apartment suites located at the entrance to the Corniche said that they were charging SR5,000 a night but there were no rooms available.

"You may check later at the end of the Eid holidays when prices are likely to go down," he advised prospective customers.

And it is not just the apartment suites which are raking in the lucre. Water scooters and boats, which usually charge SR800, have raised their prices to SR3,000 and more for a ride with reduced riding time in the sea.

The Coast Guard patrols have also deployed additional staff to manage the crowds and loud speakers have been installed at strategic places in addition to moving vehicles equipped with sound systems to address the visitors at the waterfront warning them to keep off dangerous sites.

Col. Najhi Al-Juhani of Saudi Coast Guards said that the guards rescued two Indian adventure sailors in the sea near Thuwwal after an accident.

Three girls - two Saudi and a Yemeni national - were rescued from the sea after they ventured too far from the shore. Three Saudis were also saved from drowning in the sea, he added.