Egypt: A search for 16 people missing after the Sea Story tourist boat sank in the Red Sea has resumed for a second day. The vessel, which was carrying 44 passengers, sent a despair signal at 5:30 AM (03:30 GMT) before it sank within minutes. So far, 28 people have been rescued.
Among the missing are two British nationals, one Finnish, and four Egyptians. Authorities believe the boat may have been hit by a large wave, contributing to the rapid sinking. The incident occurred near Marsa Alam, a popular diving destination on Egypt’s southern Red Sea coast.
The Sea Story, owned by an Egyptian national, had departed for a five-day diving trip on 24th November. On 23rd November, the Egyptian Meteorological Authority issued warnings of rough seas, with winds reaching up to 43 mph and waves of 10-13 feet.
The survivors, found in the Wadi el-Gemal area south of Marsa Alam, are reportedly in good health. No technological issues were found with the boat during its recent inspection in March 2024. The passengers included nationals from the UK, Spain, Germany, and the United States, while the crew members were all Egyptian. The Sea Story is a 44-metre-long vessel built in 2022, with a capacity for up to 36 passengers. Authorities have yet to comment on the boat’s operator, Dive Pro Liveaboard.
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