Egyptian authorities rescued 16 people after a tourist diving boat carrying 45 passengers and crew sank off the Red Sea coast on Monday, with search operations continuing for those still missing.
The vessel, Sea Story, was on a multi-day diving excursion when it encountered trouble near the coastal town of Marsa Alam. The boat carried 31 tourists of various nationalities and 14 crew members, according to the Red Sea Governorate.
Red Sea Governor Amr Hanafi reported that survivors were airlifted by helicopter to receive medical attention. Egyptian navy and army units are coordinating efforts to locate additional survivors.
Officials received a distress signal at 5:30 a.m. local time (0330 GMT). The boat had departed from Porto Ghalib in Marsa Alam on Sunday and was scheduled to return to Hurghada Marina on November 29.
The Red Sea, known globally for its coral reefs and marine life, represents a crucial component of Egypt’s tourism sector, particularly popular among diving enthusiasts.
