Egyptian authorities have confirmed that 17 people, including foreign nationals, are missing after a tourist boat sank in the Red Sea. The incident occurred early Monday, and 28 individuals have been rescued so far.
Among the missing are two British nationals, while Finland has confirmed that one of its citizens is also unaccounted for. Rescue efforts involving the Egyptian Navy and military aircraft are ongoing.
Details of the Incident
The boat, identified as Sea Story, departed near Marsa Alam on Egypt’s southern Red Sea coast for a five-day diving trip. It carried 31 tourists and 14 crew members, all Egyptians.
The vessel reportedly sent a distress signal at 5:30 a.m. local time (3:30 GMT), according to the Red Sea province governor, Maj-Gen Amr Hanafi. Survivors were located in the Wadi el-Gemal area, south of Marsa Alam, and have been provided with medical care.
Challenging Weather Conditions
The cause of the sinking has not yet been determined, but weather conditions were unfavorable at the time. Egypt’s Meteorological Authority had issued warnings over the weekend, citing turbulence on both the Mediterranean and Red Seas. Winds were recorded at speeds of 37–43 mph (60–70 km/h), with wave heights reaching 10–13 feet (3–4 meters).
A crew member reportedly told a nearby diving resort staffer that the vessel was struck by a wave in the middle of the night, causing it to capsize.
Nationalities of Those Onboard
The tourists on board included individuals from various countries:
- Five Spanish
- Four British
- Four Germans
- Two Americans
- One Finnish
Polish authorities are also investigating reports that two of their nationals may have been aboard.
International Response
A spokesperson for the British Foreign Office stated that they are in contact with local authorities and providing support to affected British nationals and their families. The Finnish foreign ministry also confirmed that it is monitoring the situation closely.
China’s embassy in Egypt reported that two of its nationals were among those rescued.
Previous Accidents and Vessel Details
The Sea Story, built in 2022, is a modern 44-meter (144-foot) vessel with four decks and 18 cabins, accommodating up to 36 passengers. The operator, Dive Pro Liveaboard, has yet to comment on the incident.
This tragedy follows another fatal incident off the coast of Marsa Alam last year, where three Britons died after their dive boat caught fire.
A Hub for Diving Tourism
Marsa Alam, a popular destination for tourists, is known for its world-class diving spots and coral reefs. The sinking underscores the risks associated with marine activities in the region, especially during adverse weather conditions.
As rescue operations continue, the focus remains on locating the 17 missing individuals, with hopes of finding more survivors.
