Three bodies were recovered on Tuesday morning from a tourist boat that capsized off the Red Sea coast, while rescue teams continued searching for 13 missing people, according to Red Sea Governor Amr Hanafi, speaking to Reuters.
The boat, Sea Story, overturned on Monday due to large waves near the Sataya Reef and sank within 5 to 7 minutes. It was carrying 31 tourists and 13 crew members on a multi-day diving excursion.
Sixteen passengers are believed to have been trapped inside the vessel, according to a statement from the Red Sea Governorate released on Monday.
Twenty-eight survivors were rescued with minor injuries, requiring no hospitalization. They are currently being accommodated at a hotel in Marsa Alam, where authorities are working with embassies and consulates to provide assistance and necessary documentation.
Hanafi stated that the boat last underwent a safety inspection in March 2024, with no technical issues reported.
The 34-meter vessel, owned by an Egyptian national, had a one-year safety certificate issued by the Maritime Safety Authority.
The incident occurred during severe weather conditions. The Red Sea Ports Authority reported waves 3–4 meters high and wind speeds of 34 knots in the area on Sunday, leading to a sailing ban.
This is the second boat to sink in the area this year. In June, another boat sustained serious damage from large waves, though no casualties were reported.
The Red Sea, known for its coral reefs and marine life, is a key diving destination in Egypt and plays a significant role in the country’s tourism industry and economy.
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Source: CNA-ANA-MPA-Reuters
