Over a Dozen Missing After Tourist Boat Capsizes in the Red Sea 

Egyptian authorities have reported that more than a dozen individuals, including foreign nationals, are missing after a tourist yacht capsized in the Red Sea on Monday.

The incident involved the vessel “Sea Story,” which was carrying 31 tourists and a 13-member crew when it sent out a distress call at 5:30 AM local time (0330 GMT).

Rescue Efforts Underway

As of now, 28 people have been rescued, while 16 remain unaccounted for—12 of whom are foreigners and four are Egyptians.

The boat, owned by an Egyptian national, had embarked on a multi-day diving trip from Port Ghalib near Marsa Alam and was scheduled to dock in Hurghada on Friday.

Governor Amr Hanafi confirmed that some survivors were rescued by aircraft, while others were transported to safety aboard a warship.

He stated:

“Intensive search operations are underway in coordination with the navy and the armed forces.”

Details of the Incident

The capsizing of the “Sea Story” is believed to have been caused by a sudden large wave that struck the boat, leading it to capsize within five to seven minutes.

Many passengers were unable to escape as they were inside their cabins at the time of the incident.

A manager from a nearby diving resort reported that one surviving crew member indicated they were “hit by a wave in the middle of the night, throwing the vessel on its side.”

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International Response

The Chinese embassy in Egypt reported that two of its nationals were rescued and are in good health.

Meanwhile, the Finnish foreign ministry confirmed that one of its citizens is missing.

Polish authorities have indicated that two tourists may have had Polish citizenship but have not released further details.

Safety Concerns and Previous Incidents

This tragic event comes amidst warnings from the Egyptian Meteorological Authority about rough seas and high waves, advising against maritime activities over the weekend.

Despite these warnings, it remains unclear how the yacht was permitted to navigate under such conditions.

The Red Sea is known for its vibrant coral reefs and attracts numerous tourists for diving excursions.

However, this area has seen similar incidents earlier this year without fatalities.

In June, two dozen French tourists were safely evacuated from a sinking boat, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in Egypt’s tourism sector.

As search operations continue, authorities remain hopeful for the safe recovery of those still missing.

The situation underscores the critical importance of stringent safety regulations and adherence to weather advisories in protecting lives at sea.

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