U.N. Peacekeepers Rescue 14 Lebanese Sailors from Storm

 
U.N. peacekeepers rescued 14 Lebanese sailors caught in choppy seas on Tuesday as Lebanon was hit by torrential downpours, strong winds and snowstorms, officials said.

 

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said that its Maritime Task Force “rescued 14 sailors from a disabled ship following an extensive search and rescue operation at sea over four hours.”

 

The crew sent a distress signal after their ship “suffered several leaks” 80 kilometers (50 miles) south of Beirut port, UNIFIL said.

 

U.N. helicopters took part in the operation lifting the sailors to safety. Just one sailor sustained minor injuries.

Lebanon has been hit by heavy rains and hailstorms with winds packing up to 100 kilometers (60 miles) per hour and snow falling on high ground over 600 meters (2,000 feet), weathermen said.

 

Police urged motorists to avoid mountain roads with the rough weather predicted to persist into Wednesday.

On Tuesday, three people were injured in floods in the southern town of Nabatiyeh, Lebanon”s National News Agency said.

 

Picture: This picture released by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), shows the MV Gevo Victory cargo ship caught in choppy waters off the Lebanese coast. UN peacekeepers rescued 14 Lebanese sailors caught in choppy seas on Tuesday as Lebanon was hit by torrential downpours, strong winds and snowstorms, officials said. (AFP/UNIFIL-HO)