In brief
Rescue operations have saved 33 individuals from a sunken tourist vessel, with ongoing efforts for the missing.
In a somber turn of events, a tourist boat catastrophe in the Red Sea has led to the discovery of five survivors along with four deceased individuals, following the sinking of the vessel on Monday. The incident involved a yacht named Sea Story, which was carrying 44 people, including tourists from various countries and a crew of 13 members. As of Tuesday evening, seven passengers remain unaccounted for, with reports confirming that two of the missing are British nationals.The Sea Story, boasting four decks, capsized after reportedly being struck by a powerful wave near Marsa Alam, sending distress signals at 05:30 local time. Eyewitness accounts from Red Sea governor Maj-Gen Amr Hanafi revealed that the vessel sank within a few short minutes, which hampered escape efforts, particularly for those confined in their cabins. In collaboration with military personnel and a nearby tourist boat, rescuers successfully retrieved 28 passengers shortly after the boat capsized.The ill-fated sailing had begun its journey from a port near Marsa Alam for a planned five-day diving trip, scheduled to culminate in Hurghada. High winds and rough sea conditions, as warned by the Egyptian Meteorological Authority, were present during the time, with wind speeds reaching between 37-43 mph and wave heights recorded at three to four meters. Reports further detailed that the nationality mix of tourists onboard included visitors from Belgium, Britain, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, and the United States. Among the missing are individuals from Poland and Finland, and the UK Foreign Office has expressed its commitment to support British nationals impacted by the incident. The Chinese embassy has also communicated that two of their citizens are in good health following their rescue.In a visit to the survivors, governor Hanafi confirmed that they are recovering well and have not required hospitalization. The local government indicated that the Sea Story had passed a routine inspection, receiving a one-year validity certificate earlier in March. The vessel’s owner, an Egyptian national, has come under scrutiny, especially in light of past maritime mishaps in the region. The boat's operator, Dive Pro Liveaboard, reportedly claims the craft was constructed in 2022 and equipped to accommodate up to 36 passengers across 18 cabins. Marsa Alam, a notable tourist hotspot, remains a focal point for diving enthusiasts, famed for its rich marine life and stunning coral reefs. The tragedy has sparked renewed discussion about safety practices for maritime excursions in the area.
