Four survivors were rescued, and four bodies were recovered after a tourist boat sank in the Red Sea, according to a local official. Efforts to find those still missing have been intensified, with two British nationals believed to be among them. The Governor of the Red Sea region, Amr Hanafi, stated that two Belgians, one Swiss, and one Egyptian national have been rescued, along with four more bodies, although their nationalities remain unknown. Survivors are receiving necessary medical care following the incident of the 34-meter-long tourist boat Sea Story sinking on Monday south of the Egyptian coastal town of Marsa Alam with 44 people on board.
Among the passengers were individuals from various countries including the UK, Ireland, US, Germany, Poland, Belgium, Switzerland, Finland, China, Slovakia, and Spain. Egyptian military forces have successfully rescued 32 people, leaving eight individuals still unaccounted for. The vessel reportedly capsized in a short span of about five to seven minutes after being hit by a high sea wave, trapping some passengers inside the cabins.
The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office are providing consular support to British nationals and their families affected by the incident in Egypt. The boat, which departed from Port Ghalib and was en route to Hurghada Marina, sent a distress call early Monday morning after sinking 46 nautical miles off the coast of Marsa Alam. The Egyptian Meteorological Authority had previously issued a warning about turbulence and high waves in the Red Sea.
The company operating the yacht, Dive Pro Liveaboard in Hurghada, has stated that they have no information on the matter. Meanwhile, the Chamber of Diving and Water Sports (CDWS), established by Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism, commended rescue teams for their relentless efforts. They expressed hope for the safe return of the missing passengers to their families. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with maritime activities, especially during adverse weather conditions.
