Tragedy struck off Egypt's Red Sea coast as three bodies were recovered on Tuesday morning from a tourist boat that capsized. The boat, named Sea Story, was on a multi-day diving trip near the Sataya Reef when it was hit by high waves and sank in a matter of minutes. The vessel was carrying 31 tourists and 13 crew members at the time of the incident.
Rescue teams are currently searching for 13 missing individuals who were on board the ill-fated boat. Sixteen passengers are believed to have been trapped inside the vessel, as reported by the Red Sea Governorate.
Despite the tragic event, there were 28 survivors who were rescued with minor injuries that did not require hospitalization. These survivors are currently being accommodated in a hotel in Marsa Alam, where authorities are providing assistance and documentation with the help of embassies and consulates.
The Sea Story had passed its most recent safety inspection in March 2024, with no technical issues reported. The boat, owned by an Egyptian national, had a valid one-year safety certificate from the Maritime Safety Authority.
The incident occurred during rough weather conditions, with wave heights reaching 3-4 meters and wind speeds of 34 knots in the area. These conditions led to the closure of maritime traffic in the region on Sunday.
This unfortunate event marks the second boat sinking in the area this year, following another vessel that suffered severe damage in June due to strong waves. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported in that incident.
The Red Sea, known for its stunning coral reefs and diverse marine life, is a key destination for Egypt's tourism industry, which plays a vital role in the country's economy.
