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       KUWAIT CITY, Aug 10: The 33rd Pearl Diving Commemoration Trip, organized by the Marine Heritage Committee of the Kuwait Marine Sports Club under the patronage of His Highness the Amir, commenced Saturday morning with the “Dasha” ceremony. The event saw the participation of 150 young captains, sailors, and divers aboard four ships. Departing from the club’s coast in Salmiya, the trip will span six days, concluding on the 15th of this month. During this time, the participants will engage in actual diving activities in Hirat Al-Khiran, the marine area known for oyster beds.

       The “Dasha” ceremony began with a marine art performance followed by the national anthem. Afterward, the organizing committee and the young divers bid farewell to the attendees and residents on the seashore before heading to the diving ships, which set sail for the diving port in the Al-Khiran area where the ships will gather.

       Khaled Al-Foudari, Secretary-General of the club, stated in a press release that the participants are aged between 15 and 20 years. This trip offers them the chance to experience and emulate the traditions of their fathers and grandfathers at sea, fostering pride in their heritage and an appreciation for the sacrifices made by the earlier generation.

       Al-Foudari added that the participating diving ships, which were donated by the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad, include types such as Sanbuk and Shuai. The marine groups on these ships are named (Al-Yazwa) in honor of senior captains who significantly impacted diving trips, as well as a ship named after Gulf Bank.

       The ships will be guided by young diving students, known as (Nakhoda and Majdmiya), under the supervision of Captain Hamed Al-Sayyar, the general supervisor of the committee. A number of committee members, including captains and the trip advisor, historian Thamer Al-Sayyar, will also participate.

       On Tuesday, the media and journalists will visit Bandar Al-Dhos, the ships’ gathering place, to observe the trip closely. The trip will conclude next Thursday with the “Al-Qaffal” Day ceremonies on the club’s coast.

       A grand celebration will mark the return of the diving ships, featuring presentations of various marine arts. Families will join in receiving their children on the beach, continuing a tradition from the past.

       Al-Foudari praised the support and participation of the Public Authority for Sports, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Information, the Fire Force, and all other involved parties for their contributions to the success of the trip.

       The heritage trip aims to foster national unity among the youth and introduce them to the practices of their forebears, particularly as pearl diving remains a significant aspect of Kuwaiti cultural heritage. The Marine Club began organizing annual diving trips in 1986 with five wooden ships provided by the Ministry of Information, followed by seven additional ships donated by the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in 1987, reflecting his commitment to expanding youth participation in these cultural voyages.

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