31 foreign tourists onboard of capsized boat in Red Sea

CAIRO- 25 November 2024: The capsized tourist boat “Sea Story” in the Red Sea was carrying a total of 44 passengers, including 13 Egyptians and 31 foreigners from various nationalities, including German, British, American, Polish, Belgian, Swiss, Finnish, Chinese, Slovak, Spanish, and Irish.

Major General Amr Hanafi, Egyptian Governor of the Red Sea, confirmed that efforts had successfully rescued 28 people so far, while search operations are ongoing for 16 missing individuals.

The Major General visited the site of the sinking of the tourist boat "Sea Story" south of Marsa Alam to assess the health and safety of all passengers. 

The Governor explained that the accident occurred 46 nautical miles from the coast of Marsa Alam. 

The boat, which is owned by an Egyptian national, measures 34 meters in length and 9.5 meters in width. 

Regarding the boat's technical condition, the Governor stated that it had passed a maritime safety inspection in March 2024 and had been issued a certificate of validity for one year. No technical defects or issues had been reported, and investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing. 

The authorities are working with the boat's crew to determine the precise cause, he continued.

The rescue operations were led by the naval forces, with significant assistance from a nearby tourist boat, Star Jet, which rescued several passengers. 

The coordinated efforts between the armed forces, naval forces, and other concerned authorities are continuing, with a focus on locating the 16 missing individuals, including 4 Egyptians and 12 foreigners.

Major General Hanafi praised the swift response of all involved agencies, especially the armed forces, and noted that approximately 10 ambulances had been deployed to provide first aid to the rescued passengers. 

He added that after being rescued, the passengers were all in good health, with only minor injuries such as bruises and abrasions, which did not require hospital treatment.

According to eyewitness accounts from both foreign and Egyptian survivors, the initial cause of the accident appears to have been a large wave that struck the boat, causing it to capsize within 5 to 7 minutes. 

Some passengers were inside the cabins at the time, which contributed to their inability to escape.

The Governor emphasized that coordination with all relevant embassies, consulates, and authorities is ongoing to ensure that the necessary documentation and support for the passengers are provided. 

He also confirmed that the rescued passengers will be hosted at a tourist hotel in Marsa Alam. 

Rescue teams are working around the clock to complete their tasks, prioritizing safety and security. Search operations continue in the area in collaboration with the Armed Forces, the Maritime Rescue Center, and the Governorate's Operations Room.

Major General Hanafi reassured the public that the Governorate is closely monitoring developments and will provide updates as new information becomes available.

The Red Sea Governorate Control Center received an emergency report at 5:30 a.m. from the Rescue Operations Room, indicating that a distress signal had been received from the boat.

The Sea Story was on a diving trip that departed from Porto Ghalib Port in Marsa Alam on November 24, 2024, and was scheduled to return to Hurghada Marina on November 29, 2024.

The Egyptian Ministry of Defense stated in a statement that the General Command of the Armed Forces has instructed the Naval Forces Command to immediately deploy several naval vessels and aircraft from the Search and Rescue Center upon receiving a distress call about the sinking of the tourist boat Sea Story. 

The boat had been conducting diving operations approximately 35 km south of Marsa Alam when the incident occurred. 

In light of the poor weather conditions and the large area affected by the accident, the naval forces are actively participating in the search for the missing and rescuing survivors.