Four people were recovered dead on Tuesday morning, while rescue teams continue to search for nine others who remain missing after a tourist boat capsized off the coast of the Red Sea, district governor Amr Hanafi said, adding that two were found alive. Belgian tourists and an Egyptian crew member.
The vessel “Sea Story” capsized on Monday near Sataya Reef, carrying 31 tourists and 13 crew members on a multi-day diving excursion. It was hit by big waves and sank in 5-7 minutes.
According to yesterday’s announcement by the Red Sea Government, it is estimated that 16 passengers were trapped inside the vessel.
28 people were rescued with minor injuries yesterday, who did not need to be hospitalized and three more today, so in total there are 31 survivors. All are being accommodated in a hotel in Marsa Alam, where the authorities are working with embassies and consulates to provide them with assistance and the necessary documents.
Hanafi said the vessel last passed a safety inspection in March 2024, citing no technical issues. The vessel, owned by an Egyptian national, was 34 meters long and had received a one-year safety certificate from the Maritime Safety Agency.
The incident happened while there were bad weather conditions in the area. The Egyptian Ports Authority for the Red Sea region reported waves of 3-4 meters high and wind speeds of 34 knots in the area on Sunday, which led to a ban on sailing.
This is the second vessel to sink in the same area this year. In June, another vessel was severely damaged by large waves although no casualties were reported. The Red Sea, known for its coral reefs and marine life, is Egypt’s main diving destination and plays an important role in the country’s tourism industry and economy.
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