By Nakiwala Barbra
Sixteen people, including several foreigners, are missing after a tourist boat capsized in the Red Sea near Marsa Alam, a renowned diving destination on Egypt’s southern coast.
Egyptian authorities have rescued 28 individuals, but two Britons, a Finnish national, and four Egyptians remain unaccounted for.
The boat, Sea Story, was carrying 44 people, including 13 crew members, and issued a distress signal at 5:30 am local time (03:30 GMT). Survivors reported that a massive wave struck the vessel, causing it to capsize in minutes. This tragedy occurred despite meteorological warnings about dangerous marine conditions, including high winds and waves reaching up to 4 meters.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with the Egyptian Navy deploying warships and military aircraft in the Wadi el-Gemal area to locate the missing. Survivors have been transported to safety and are receiving medical care. Red Sea Governor Maj-Gen Amr Hanafi confirmed that they are in good health and are currently being accommodated at a local hotel.
The Sea Story had departed on Sunday for a five-day diving expedition. Tourists onboard included nationals from Spain, the UK, Germany, the US, China, and Finland. Finnish authorities have confirmed that one of their nationals is missing, while the UK Foreign Office is providing support to British nationals and their families. Polish authorities are investigating whether two of their citizens were aboard the vessel.
Preliminary reports indicate the vessel was in good condition. The Sea Story, built in 2022, passed a safety inspection in March 2024, granting it a one-year certificate. However, questions are emerging about the decision to proceed with the trip despite severe weather warnings. Survivors’ accounts suggest the boat capsized quickly after being hit by the wave, giving passengers little time to react.
Dive Pro Liveaboard, the Egyptian operator of the Sea Story, has yet to comment on the incident. The vessel is described on the company’s website as a 44-meter-long boat with four decks and 18 cabins, capable of hosting up to 36 passengers.
Marsa Alam, known for its coral reefs and diving sites, has seen maritime tragedies in the past. Last year, three Britons lost their lives when a dive boat caught fire off the coast. This latest incident has raised concerns about adherence to safety protocols and the enforcement of maritime regulations in the region.
The families of the missing face a harrowing wait for news, while survivors recount the terrifying moments of the capsizing. Egyptian authorities have promised a full investigation into the incident to determine accountability and prevent future tragedies.
As search operations continue, this disaster underscores the critical need for stringent safety measures in the tourism and maritime sectors, especially in regions prone to unpredictable weather.
For the survivors, it marks a traumatic chapter, while for the families of the missing, the hope for closure remains as rescue teams work tirelessly.
