A tragic incident in the Red Sea has left 16 individuals missing after a tourist boat, carrying divers, sank due to severe waves. While 28 were rescued, authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Search Continues for Missing Tourists After Red Sea Boat Capsize
Search Continues for Missing Tourists After Red Sea Boat Capsize
Sixteen people remain unaccounted for following the capsizing of a tourist boat off Egypt’s coast during a diving trip.
The search for 16 missing individuals is ongoing after a boat carrying tourists capsized in the Red Sea off the coast of Egypt. The disaster occurred when a large wave struck the vessel, which had embarked from Marsa Alam, a popular diving destination, on a scheduled six-day adventure.
According to local authorities, on Monday, 28 people were rescued, including both foreign tourists and Egyptian crew members. The governor of Egypt's Red Sea province, Maj. Gen. Amr Hanafy, provided updates stating that the survivors only sustained minor injuries and were subsequently accommodated at a local hotel.
The boat known as the Sea Story was carrying a total of 44 passengers, which included 13 Egyptians and 31 international visitors hailing from various countries like the United States, Belgium, and China. Among those still unaccounted for, four are Egyptians, while twelve are tourists from different nations. Reports indicate that three bodies have already been recovered, pending independent confirmation.
Warnings about high waves and potential turbulence were issued by the Egyptian Meteorological Authority prior to the boat’s departure. It remains unclear whether the crew received these notifications or made preparations accordingly. Eyewitness accounts suggest that locals were aware of the elevated wave conditions when the accident transpired.
Witnesses state that the boat, measuring 111 feet in length, capsized shortly after being struck by a massive wave, sinking within just seven minutes. Additional reports suggest that some passengers may have been trapped in their cabins during the incident. The first distress call to authorities was received at around 5:30 a.m., and nearby vessels participated in the rescue efforts along with the Egyptian Navy.
General Hanafy confirmed that the Sea Story had passed a safety inspection earlier in March and had not been reported for any technical faults, prompting an ongoing investigation into the events leading up to the capsizing.
As the local community shows support for the families of those missing and lost, the incident brings to light ongoing concerns regarding safety standards for maritime tourism in the region, especially during challenging weather conditions.
According to local authorities, on Monday, 28 people were rescued, including both foreign tourists and Egyptian crew members. The governor of Egypt's Red Sea province, Maj. Gen. Amr Hanafy, provided updates stating that the survivors only sustained minor injuries and were subsequently accommodated at a local hotel.
The boat known as the Sea Story was carrying a total of 44 passengers, which included 13 Egyptians and 31 international visitors hailing from various countries like the United States, Belgium, and China. Among those still unaccounted for, four are Egyptians, while twelve are tourists from different nations. Reports indicate that three bodies have already been recovered, pending independent confirmation.
Warnings about high waves and potential turbulence were issued by the Egyptian Meteorological Authority prior to the boat’s departure. It remains unclear whether the crew received these notifications or made preparations accordingly. Eyewitness accounts suggest that locals were aware of the elevated wave conditions when the accident transpired.
Witnesses state that the boat, measuring 111 feet in length, capsized shortly after being struck by a massive wave, sinking within just seven minutes. Additional reports suggest that some passengers may have been trapped in their cabins during the incident. The first distress call to authorities was received at around 5:30 a.m., and nearby vessels participated in the rescue efforts along with the Egyptian Navy.
General Hanafy confirmed that the Sea Story had passed a safety inspection earlier in March and had not been reported for any technical faults, prompting an ongoing investigation into the events leading up to the capsizing.
As the local community shows support for the families of those missing and lost, the incident brings to light ongoing concerns regarding safety standards for maritime tourism in the region, especially during challenging weather conditions.
