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Crab-hunting, let me be quite frank, is not for the chicken-hearted. And that’s why chances of me going on a second crab-hunting safari are almost nil. But that was definitely not the case with the boatload of people all around me, intent on catching their next meal.
Video: Click here to watch crab hunters in action
The safari started out from the west coast emirate of Umm Al Quwain. There were three boats full of crab-hungry tourists — about 35 in all — that sped off to the mangrove islands nearby. And this was not really the season for hunting crabs.
According to Thomas Pothen, assistant sales and marketing manager of Flamingo Beach Resort which organised the safari, there are usually 100 people a day during season which is between September to April.
“Last year, we stopped the safari from May to July because it was mating season but not this year,” Pothen said.
And that’s how we came to be hunting in June. Soon, the sound of the engine could be heard no more and the only sound was that of crickets in the distance beyond the bushes. Our guide then gave us each a spear and light and said we were ready for the hunt.
The group seemed to be already lost in the thrill of the hunt, spears in hand, eyes wide open and concentration revved up to the max. There seemed to be nothing around us except darkness and the mystery of the waters. Having watched The World’s Deadliest Animal Attacks on MBC Action before we set out (bad idea), I found myself bravely jumping off the boat, landing in the water with a little splash and walking on sand invisible to me. I was aware of everything that touched my leg and I cringed every time. Suddenly, sounds of triumph in the distance made me look up, and there it was … the first catch.
At the end of the spear held up high by a Russian man for everyone to see, was the first crab to be “caught”, still struggling, still alive. Apparently, this is how they hunt crabs worldwide.
Our guide was an apparent expert and every few seconds he would walk back to the boat saying “crab” or “squid” and sometimes even “crabsquid”, pointing to the end of his spear. He would then put the crab in a box and head out into the dark waters for another.
After about 20 minutes, I decided to get back into the safety of the boat. The only downside was you get to watch the crabs being placed in the box. Even if I turned away, the sounds made me queasy.
An hour-and-a-half later, the guide’s announcement that it was over was met with disappointment.
But back at the hotel, we were pleased to learn the buffet offered plenty of food other than the crabs caught earlier on. The others waited patiently while the crabs were cooked and brought out in a large tray.
Dinner was served ...
Where: Most crab-hunting safaris take place in Umm Al Quwain.
When: The safaris are organised every day of the week but Mondays and Fridays are the busiest days. The hunt usually starts after sunset and can last from one to two hours.
Cost: Around Dh150
Need to take: A pair of socks, old trainers, appropriate swimwear/ sportswear or shorts and T-shirt will do. The organisers provide the spears and lights.
Would you like to spend your weekend hunting crabs ? Or do you think it’s far too cruel an activity to indulge in?
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