KOCHI, Oct 15 (Times of India) : A prominent member of the Kuwaiti royal family had a narrow escape on Monday when his speed boat capsized off Munambam near Kochi.

Sources told TOI Al-Nasser Al Sabah fell into the backwaters after his speed yacht, powered by double Yamaha engines, sank and took in a 'lot of water'. The prince was saved by fishermen in the area.

"We were given an unofficial direction that the prince would be going from Munambam to Cherai area and even to Kumarakom, which is his regular route during his visits to Kerala. At the time of the incident, the prince was accompanied by the boat driver and three others," said a police source.

Al Sabah's boat had left Cherai in the morning for Munambam. "Off Munambam, the boat first tilted sideways and took in some water. It was being driven by the driver at that point," another source said.

They stopped for a few minutes and then the prince attempted to drive it. "It gained some speed and then capsized. Local fishermen rushed to his rescue. But they didn't know it was the Kuwaiti prince," the source said. "The boat may have hit a pole holding fishing nets. It was travelling at a high speed."

The prince and his friends were immediately brought to Arattukadavu near Munambam. "We were told not to click any pictures. Soon three luxury SUVs reached the spot and took him away. One of his assistants warned us not to give publicity as it was a private visit," the source said.

TOI has independently confirmed the incident from Munambam and Cherai police stations. "We regularly receive security alerts whenever the prince is in Kochi," the police source confirmed.

The boat, estimated to cost over Rs 1 crore, is still lying at the spot. Two fishing boats — one of them named Prince — are keeping it afloat. "We used pumps to drain water. But the hull has sustained serious damages," a local resident said.

Within hours of the incident, Al Sabah left Kochi in his private jet. Airport sources said the aircraft sought clearance sometime around noon and took off around 3.30pm.

Sources said Al Sabah is a regular visitor to Kochi. He visits Kochi at least once in two months. He has a private bungalow in Cherai, some 40km from Kochi.