Like many fishermen in Bab Al-Mandab, Salim Mohammad Salem, a Dhubab resident, was left unable to fish and provide for this family for fear landmines could threaten his life and his boat.
Speaking to Project Masam, Salim explained how difficult the situation had become. Fishermen’s boats broke down and remained trapped on mined beaches and their fishing nets remained empty, as the men were too afraid to step foot on their beaches.
The fishermen had heard of a landmine clearance project operating in liberated areas of Yemen and rang its operations room to make a report. Project Masam immediately dispatched deminers to survey the area, with the aim to bring life back to normal in Dhubab.
“Masam quickly responded to our call, showing hard work, dedication, and great experience, and eventually it ended our suffering from mines. We returned, thank God, to our beaches, boats, and fishing nets without fear, and with determination to work and persevere for the sake of our children,” Salim said.
He added: “We struggled to find words to describe the work done, as Masam brought us back to our profession and provided us with a safe way to earn a living for our children and our families. All thanks, appreciation and respect for this project and those in charge of it.”
