Diver Shares Emotional Rescue of Nephew from Capsized Egyptian Boat

The recent tragedy off the coast of Egypt highlights both the challenges of rescue operations and the emotional impact on families involved.

An Egyptian diver, Khattab al-Faramawy, has shared his harrowing experience of rescuing his nephew Youssef from a capsized tourist boat in the Red Sea. The grim incident occurred when the Sea Story sank after being struck by a powerful wave near Marsa Alam, resulting in five survivors and four confirmed deaths, with seven people still unaccounted for.

In a passionate recounting to the BBC, Mr. al-Faramawy detailed the difficulties faced by rescue workers as they searched through the submerged four-deck vessel. “We dived 12 meters (40 feet) underwater — the survivors were trapped inside the boat cabins,” he explained. Just over 24 hours after the ship sank on Monday, rescuers resumed operations with a focus on locating anyone still alive.

Among the lucky survivors was Youssef, 23, a diving instructor who had been trying to save other passengers. Emotionally overwhelmed, Hussam al-Faramawy, Youssef's father, recalled the anxious wait for news, stating, “I could do nothing but pray to God to help my boy,” adding his relief when he learned that his son had been rescued.

Youssef is currently receiving medical attention, along with other survivors. As of the latest reports, 33 of the 44 passengers aboard the vessel have been saved. However, concerns remain for the missing, including two British nationals, as authorities continue to investigate the incident's circumstances.

The Egyptian navy spearheads the ongoing rescue efforts, with military personnel restricting media access to protect the survivors from undue stress. Eyewitness videos of the operation have surfaced, depicting survivors, some on stretchers and wrapped in blankets, being transported to safety, while one individual recounted, “I had been shaking with cold” before being rescued.

The Sea Story, a 44-meter vessel, had set off on a five-day diving trip from Marsa Alam, a favored departure point for tourists attracted to the Red Sea's stunning marine life. Despite warnings of perilous high waves from the Egyptian Meteorological Authority that weekend, officials confirmed the boat had been certified safe and reportedly functioned without technical issues before the incident.

Amid the ongoing investigations, the local council reported multiple nationalities among the tourists on board, including visitors from Belgium, the UK, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, and the US. The Polish foreign ministry has confirmed the absence of two Polish tourists from the ship.

As communities and families grapple with the emotional ramifications of this disaster, the resilience and bravery of rescuers like Khattab al-Faramawy shine a light on the challenges faced in perilous maritime conditions.