In brief
Khattab al-Faramawy, an Egyptian diver, shared the harrowing experience of locating his nephew Youssef among survivors trapped inside a capsized tourist boat in the Red Sea. The rescue operation continues as officials search for the missing, with local authorities emphasizing safety in response to the tragedy.
An Egyptian diver, Khattab al-Faramawy, has opened up about his emotional experience rescuing his own nephew, Youssef, from a tourist boat that capsized in the Red Sea. The incident occurred near Marsa Alam, where rough seas led to the boat's unfortunate sinking. The diver’s story unfolded as rescuers embarked on the treacherous underwater mission, revealing the stark realities faced during the recovery efforts.On Tuesday, divers discovered five survivors and four bodies in the submerged wreckage of the Sea Story, a vessel that was set to embark on a five-day diving trip. As the search extended into a third day, seven individuals remain unaccounted for. "We dived 12m (40ft) under water – the survivors were trapped inside the boat cabins,” recounted Khattab al-Faramawy during an interview with the BBC. The precarious rescue operation involved navigating the darkness of the vessel, utilizing torch lights to locate survivors within cabin spaces. Amid the tense atmosphere, Khattab successfully opened the cabin doors and found his nephew, who had been trying to assist passengers but got caught inside. “I could do nothing but pray to God to help my boy, and thankfully his uncle finally saved him,” expressed Hussam al-Faramawy, Youssef’s father, during an emotional conversation. Youssef, a diving instructor, is currently receiving medical care alongside other survivors. So far, authorities report that 33 out of the 44 individuals aboard have been rescued. Though details of the deceased and missing are yet to be disclosed publicly, reports indicate two of the absent individuals are British nationals.The ordeal has shaken the local community, prompting officials to take charge of the situation. Videos released by local authorities depict the rescue process, showcasing survivors—wrapped in blankets—being brought to safety, including one being transported on a stretcher. One survivor was noted to have been “shaking with cold” prior to being rescued.The Sea Story had departures noted since Sunday and was caught off guard by severe winds, leading to an unstable situation. Major General Amr Hanafi mentioned that the vessel sank in a mere five to seven minutes. As governments analyze the incident, the Egyptian Meteorological Authority had already released warnings about the hazardous seas.Diving tours remain a popular attraction in Egypt, particularly in the Red Sea where tourists seek the natural beauty and warm climate. Reports have confirmed passengers from several countries, including Poland, the UK, and China, were on board the unfortunate journey. Meanwhile, representatives from various nations have reassured support for the families affected by the tragedy.
