Egyptian authorities have reported that 16 people, including foreigners, are missing, and 28 have been rescued after a tourist boat sank in the Red Sea.
The vessel, named *Sea Story*, was carrying 44 people, including 13 crew members, when it sent a distress signal at 05:30 (03:30 GMT). Among the missing are two British nationals, one Finnish citizen, and four Egyptians.
Incident Details
The boat left Marsa Alam on Sunday for a five-day diving trip. Reports from survivors indicate the boat capsized within five to seven minutes after being struck by a large wave. This comes after the Egyptian Meteorological Authority warned of high winds and waves reaching up to 4 meters (13 feet) over the weekend.
Search and Rescue Operations
Red Sea Governor Maj-Gen Amr Hanafi confirmed that survivors were rescued in the Wadi el-Gemal area, south of Marsa Alam, and are receiving medical care. The Egyptian Navy and military aircraft are leading search efforts to locate the missing, working around the clock.
Passengers and Nationalities
The Sea Story was carrying tourists from multiple countries, including five Spaniards, four Britons, four Germans, and two Americans. The crew, all Egyptians, are also among the missing. The Finnish foreign ministry has confirmed one of its nationals is unaccounted for, while the UK Foreign Office is providing support to British nationals and their families.
Vessel and Weather Conditions
The boat, built in 2022 and inspected in March 2024, had no reported technical faults. The incident follows weather warnings for the Red Sea and Mediterranean, where winds reached 60-70 km/h (37-43 mph).
Previous Incidents
Marsa Alam, a popular diving destination, has seen similar tragedies in the past. Last year, three Britons died when their dive boat caught fire off the coast.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the incident while focusing on rescue and recovery efforts.
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