Tragedy struck in the Red Sea as a tourist yacht sank, leaving at least 16 people missing. The incident occurred south of Marsa Alam, a coastal town in Egypt. Rescuers managed to save 28 individuals from the vessel, with some requiring medical attention after being airlifted to safety.
The yacht was carrying a total of 31 tourists from various nationalities, including 13 Egyptians who were part of the crew. The United Kingdom's Foreign Office confirmed that they are assisting British nationals and their families affected by the sinking. Reports suggest that British citizens are among those still unaccounted for.
The distress call from the yacht was received by authorities in the early hours of Monday. The vessel had departed from Marsa Alam on a planned five-day journey. The cause of the sinking remains unclear, although the Egyptian Meteorological Authority had issued warnings of rough seas and high waves in the Red Sea over the weekend.
The yacht, named Sea Story and operated by Dive Pro Liveaboard in Hurghada, Egypt, was built in 2022 and had a capacity for 36 passengers. The company declined to provide any information regarding the incident.
Rescue operations are being coordinated by the Egyptian military in collaboration with the local governorate. Concerns over safety in the Red Sea have been heightened, leading many tourist companies to either suspend or limit maritime activities in the region.
