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Search Operations Continue Following Red Sea Boat Tragedy
A search operation is underway for 16 individuals who went missing after a tourist boat sank in the Red Sea on Monday, marking the second day of the rescue efforts.
The vessel, identified as the Sea Story, was carrying 44 people when it submerged, and so far, 28 individuals have been rescued, as confirmed by local authorities. Among those unaccounted for are two British nationals, one Finnish citizen, and four Egyptians.
Reports suggest that the boat may have capsized due to a strong wave. It departed from a port near the coastal town of Marsa Alam on Sunday, embarking on a five-day diving expedition.
The distress signal was issued around 05:30 local time (03:30 GMT) on Monday, according to Maj-Gen Amr Hanafi, the governor of the Red Sea governorate. He noted that the boat sank within a short span of five to seven minutes after the signal was sent.
Rescue efforts have led to the discovery of survivors in the Wadi el-Gemal region, situated south of Marsa Alam. Prior to the incident, the Egyptian Meteorological Authority had issued warnings concerning turbulent weather and high waves in both the Mediterranean and Red Seas, predicting wind speeds of 37-43 mph (60-70 km/h) and wave heights ranging from three to four meters (10-13 feet).
The local council from Marsa Alam reported that the crew of the Sea Story consisted entirely of Egyptian nationals, while tourists on board included five Spanish, four British, four Germans, and two American travelers. A representative from the UK Foreign Office confirmed they are extending support to the families of affected British nationals following this incident.
Additionally, the Chinese embassy in Egypt stated that two of its citizens have been located and are reported to be in good health after being rescued.
Marsa Alam is well-known as a tourist hotspot on Egypt’s southern Red Sea coast, famous for its rich diving locations and coral reefs. The boat owner, who is Egyptian, received a one-year validity certificate in March 2024 after the vessel passed a maritime safety inspection. Maj-Gen Hanafi assured that no technical malfunctions were detected at the time of the accident.
He also visited the rescued individuals, confirming they are in good health and did not require hospitalization. The survivors are currently accommodated at a local tourist hotel.
There has been no immediate response from the owner and operator of the Sea Story, Dive Pro Liveaboard. However, their website indicates that the vessel was constructed in 2022, spans 44 meters (144 feet) in length, features four decks, and can house up to 36 passengers in its 18 cabins.
In a similar vein, this tragic event follows another incident from last year when three British tourists lost their lives due to a fire aboard a dive boat near Marsa Alam.
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