Tourist Boat Sinks in Red Sea, 16 People Missing

According to Egyptian authorities, 16 individuals, including foreign nationals, are unaccounted for following the sinking of a tourist vessel in the Red Sea, with 28 people having been saved. The BBC has learned that two of the missing individuals are British. Finland has verified that one of its citizens is among those missing, and officials also report that four Egyptians are still missing. The vessel, carrying 44 individuals, comprising 13 crew members, transmitted a distress signal at 05:30 (03:30 GMT), as stated by the governor of Red Sea province. While authorities have not specified the potential reason for the occurrence, they noted that testimonies from those on board indicated a wave struck the boat, leading to its capsizing. Weather forecasts had previously advised against engaging in marine activities for Sunday and Monday. Officials reported that the Sea Story departed from a port near Marsa Alam on Sunday for a five-day diving excursion. Red Sea Governor Maj-Gen Amr Hanafi stated that the individuals who survived were discovered in the Wadi el-Gemal area, situated south of Marsa Alam, and were being provided with essential medical attention. He further mentioned that the Egyptian Navy warship El Fateh and military aircraft were increasing their operations to find those still missing, with rescue teams operating continuously. The Egyptian Meteorological Authority had predicted turbulent conditions on both the Mediterranean and Red Seas on Saturday, attributing this to the prevailing weather. They reported wind speeds ranging from 37-43 mph (60-70 km/h) and wave heights reaching three to four metres (10-13ft). The local council in Marsa Alam indicated that all crew members of the Sea Story are Egyptian, and the tourists on board comprised five Spanish, four British, four Germans, and two US nationals. While it is not yet clear which individuals have been rescued and which are still missing, the most recent report from the Red Sea governorate confirmed that four Egyptians are still unaccounted for. The Finnish foreign ministry also verified to AFP news agency that one of its citizens is among those missing. A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office stated that they were communicating with the authorities and extending “support to a number of British nationals and their families following an incident in Egypt”. The Chinese embassy in Egypt confirmed, via its state media and reported by AFP news agency, that two of its citizens were “in good health” after being saved. Concurrently, Pawel Wronski, spokesman for the Polish foreign ministry, informed the state-run Polish news agency PAP that officials possessed information suggesting two Polish citizens might have been on the vessel. Previous statements from Egyptian authorities indicated that 45 individuals were on the Sea Story when it went down – 14 crew members and 31 tourists. Marsa Alam, located on Egypt’s southern Red Sea coast, is a favored tourist spot, known for its numerous diving locations, including famous coral reefs. The Red Sea governorate reported that the boat belonged to an Egyptian national and had obtained a one-year validity certificate in March 2024 after undergoing inspection for maritime safety. Hanafi stated that no technical malfunctions were present at the time of the event, further noting that accounts from survivors indicated the boat overturned after being struck by a substantial wave, a process that unfolded over five to seven minutes. He also traveled to Marsa Alam to meet the rescued individuals, confirming they were all in good health and none required hospitalization. The passengers are currently accommodated in a local tourist hotel, he added. Dive Pro Liveaboard, the Egypt-based owner and operator of the Sea Story, did not provide an immediate statement. However, its website indicates the vessel was constructed in 2022, measures 44m (144ft) in length, features four decks, and contains 18 cabins capable of hosting up to 36 passengers. In the previous year, three British citizens lost their lives off the Marsa Alam coast when their dive boat caught fire. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.