Three bodies were recovered from a tourist boat, Sea Story, that capsized off Egypt’s Red Sea coast. The boat was carrying 31 tourists and 13 crew members on a diving trip when it was struck by high waves and sank within 5-7 minutes. Rescue teams are still searching for the 13 missing people, with 16 believed to be trapped inside the sunken boat. Twenty-eight survivors were rescued with minor injuries and are being accommodated in a hotel in Marsa Alam.
Authorities reported that the boat had passed its last safety inspection in March 2024 with no technical issues reported. The incident occurred during rough weather conditions with wave heights of 10-13 feet and wind speeds of 34 knots. This was the second boat to sink in the area this year due to rough weather conditions.
The Red Sea is known for its coral reefs and marine life and is a major hub for Egypt’s tourism industry. The industry is crucial for the country’s economy, making incidents like this particularly devastating. The Egyptian Red Sea Ports Authority had closed maritime traffic in the area due to the severe weather conditions. Authorities are working with embassies and consulates to provide assistance to the survivors and continue the search for the missing individuals.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
