Egyptian authorities have reported that 16 individuals are missing, including foreign nationals, following the sinking of a tourist boat in the Red Sea. The incident has resulted in 28 successful rescues.
Among those unaccounted for are two British citizens, while Finland has confirmed that one of its nationals is missing. Additionally, four Egyptians are also reported missing.
The boat, named Sea Story, was carrying 44 people, including 13 crew members, when it sent a distress signal at 5:30 AM (03:30 GMT). The cause of the incident has not yet been confirmed, though reports from those aboard suggested that a large wave struck the vessel, causing it to capsize. Weather forecasts had warned against marine activities for that weekend.
Red Sea Governor Maj-Gen Amr Hanafi reported that survivors were located in the Wadi el-Gemal area, south of Marsa Alam, and are receiving necessary medical attention. The Egyptian Navy’s warship El Fateh and military aircraft are intensifying efforts to find the missing individuals.
The Egyptian Meteorological Authority anticipated turbulent conditions for the Mediterranean and Red Seas, with wind speeds ranging from 37 to 43 mph (60 to 70 km/h) and wave heights of three to four meters (10 to 13 feet).
Among the passengers were five Spanish nationals, four British, four Germans, and two U.S. citizens. The identities of those rescued and missing are still being clarified, but the most recent report indicated that four Egyptians are unaccounted for.
The Finnish foreign ministry confirmed that one of its citizens is among the missing. The UK Foreign Office stated it is in contact with Egyptian authorities to support British nationals and their families affected by the incident.
The Chinese embassy in Egypt reported that two of its nationals were rescued and in good health, according to state media. Polish officials indicated that two Polish citizens might have been on board the Sea Story as well.
Marsa Alam is a popular tourist spot along Egypt’s southern Red Sea coast, known for its coral reefs and diving opportunities.
The Red Sea governorate stated that the boat was owned by an Egyptian national and had received a maritime safety certificate in March 2024. Governor Hanafi noted that there were no technical faults at the time of the incident; instead, survivors reported that the boat capsized within five to seven minutes after being hit by a significant wave.
Hanafi visited the rescued individuals, confirming they were all in good health and did not require hospitalization. The passengers are currently being accommodated in a local tourist hotel.
There has been no immediate comment from the boat’s owner and operator, Dive Pro Liveaboard. According to its website, the Sea Story, built in 2022, is 44 meters (144 feet) long, featuring four decks and 18 cabins that can accommodate up to 36 passengers.
Last year, a tragic incident occurred off Marsa Alam when a dive boat caught fire, resulting in the deaths of three British nationals.
Credit: BBC News
