Four bodies were recovered on Tuesday from a tourist boat that capsized off Egypt’s Red Sea coast, with rescue teams still searching for nine missing individuals, as reported by the Red Sea Governorate. Provincial governor Amr Hanafi confirmed that three survivors, including two Belgian tourists and an Egyptian national, were found alive, bringing the total number of survivors to 31.
The tragic incident involving the Sea Story boat occurred on Monday near the Sataya Reef. The vessel was carrying 31 tourists and 13 crew members on a multi-day diving trip when it was hit by high waves and sank rapidly within five to seven minutes. Fortunately, 28 individuals were rescued with minor injuries and are currently being accommodated in a hotel in Marsa Alam.
Authorities are collaborating with embassies to provide necessary assistance and documentation to the survivors. Governor Hanafi mentioned that the boat had passed its most recent safety inspection in March without any reported technical issues. The 34-meter-long vessel, owned by an Egyptian national, had obtained a one-year safety certificate from the Maritime Safety Authority.
The incident took place amidst rough weather conditions, with the Egyptian Red Sea Ports Authority recording wave heights of 3-4 meters (10-13 feet) and wind speeds of 34 knots in the area on Sunday. These adverse conditions led to the temporary closure of maritime traffic in the region.
This unfortunate event involving the Sea Story marks the second boat sinking in the area this year. In a separate incident in June, another vessel sustained significant damage from strong waves, although no casualties were reported. The Red Sea, famous for its coral reefs and diverse marine life, serves as a vital hub for Egypt’s tourism industry, which significantly contributes to the country’s economy.
