Tragedy Strikes Off Egypt’s Red Sea Coast Search Underway for Missing Tourists Following Boat Sinking

Monday 25 November 2024 - 16:02

On Monday, a tragic incident unfolded off Egypt's Red Sea coast when a tourist yacht, named Sea Story, capsized with 45 people aboard, including 31 international tourists and 14 crew members. Egyptian authorities managed to rescue 28 individuals, but at least 17 others remain missing, sparking an ongoing search operation.

The Sea Story had set out from Port Ghalib in Marsa Alam the day before, on a multi-day diving expedition, and was scheduled to return to Hurghada Marina on November 29. The sinking occurred near the coastal town of Marsa Alam, a renowned tourist destination famous for its coral reefs and marine life, a major draw for Egypt’s vital tourism industry.

The distress call was received at 5:30 a.m. local time (03:30 GMT), triggering a coordinated rescue effort. Some survivors were airlifted via helicopter and transported to medical facilities for care. In the hours following the incident, search and rescue operations intensified, with the support of the Egyptian Navy and Army.

Despite warnings from the Egyptian Meteorological Authority regarding hazardous sea conditions, including high waves in both the Mediterranean and Red Seas, the boat had been allowed to set sail. The forecast predicted waves reaching up to 4-6 meters (13-20 feet) in the Mediterranean and 3-4 meters (10-13 feet) in the Red Sea. The conditions raised concerns about the boat's safety, and questions remain about how it was permitted to travel in such weather.

This incident comes just a year after another maritime tragedy near Marsa Alam, when a motorboat caught fire, resulting in the disappearance of three British tourists. The Red Sea region has been the site of several deadly incidents in recent years, underscoring the potential dangers that can arise for tourists venturing into its waters.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of strict safety protocols for maritime activities, especially in regions popular for tourism. The global community continues to await further developments as authorities push forward with their search for the missing individuals.