Three bodies were recovered from a tourist boat that capsized off Egypt’s Red Sea coast, with 13 people still missing. The boat, named Sea Story, sank near the Sataya Reef while carrying 31 tourists and 13 crew members on a diving trip. The incident was caused by high waves, and the boat sank in just 5-7 minutes. Sixteen passengers were believed to be trapped inside.
Twenty-eight survivors were rescued with minor injuries and were being accommodated in a hotel in Marsa Alam. Authorities were working with embassies and consulates to provide assistance and documentation to the survivors. According to the Red Sea Governorate, the boat had passed its safety inspection in March 2024, with no reported technical issues.
The incident occurred during rough weather conditions, with wave heights of 10-13 feet and wind speeds of 34 knots. This led to the closure of maritime traffic in the area. This was the second boat to sink in the area this year, with another vessel suffering damage in June but no casualties reported.
The Red Sea is a popular destination known for its coral reefs and marine life, and it plays a critical role in Egypt’s tourism industry and economy. The boat was owned by an Egyptian national and had received a one-year safety certificate from the Maritime Safety Authority. Rescue teams are still searching for the missing individuals as the investigation into the incident continues.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
