In brief
Sixteen people remain unaccounted for after the tourist boat, Sea Story, capsized near Marsa Alam, Egypt, when struck by a large wave. Search teams rescued 28 passengers but concerns grow as the investigation unfolds.
At least 16 people are still missing following the capsizing of a tourist boat in the Red Sea, as search and rescue operations continue in Marsa Alam, Egypt. The incident occurred early Monday morning when the vessel, known as the Sea Story, was struck by a significant wave, prompting an emergency response from local authorities.As of Tuesday morning, 28 survivors, which include a mix of foreign tourists and local crew members, had been rescued and taken to a nearby hotel for care. The governor of the Red Sea province, Maj. Gen. Amr Hanafy, confirmed the rescue efforts while reporting that the survivors suffered only minor injuries.The Sea Story had embarked on a week-long diving expedition from Marsa Alam, a popular beach destination known for its vibrant coral reefs, and was en route to Hurghada when disaster struck. With 44 passengers on board during the trip, the boat was carrying 13 Egyptians alongside numerous international tourists from countries such as the United States, Belgium, Britain, and others.Reports indicate that among the missing, four are Egyptian nationals, while the remaining twelve are tourists from various nations. As of now, three bodies have reportedly been recovered, but this information awaited independent validation.The Egyptian Meteorological Authority had issued warnings regarding potential high waves and rough seas the morning the boat set sail, raising questions about whether the crew adhered to the advised precautions. Survivors recounted how a massive wave suddenly overwhelmed the boat, leading to its capsizing in just seven minutes, with some passengers trapped inside their cabins.Witnesses from the local area noted the rough sea conditions around the time of the incident, and the authorities received the first distress call at 5:30 a.m. on Monday. A nearby diving boat participated in the immediate rescue efforts, while the Egyptian Navy also contributed by locating additional survivors.Governor Hanafy stated that the Sea Story had undergone a safety inspection in March and had no official reports of mechanical issues. He confirmed that an investigation into the tragic event is currently underway to fully understand the circumstances that led to the sinking.
