Rescue teams recovered three bodies Tuesday morning from a capsized tourist diving boat off Egypt’s Red Sea coast, as the search continues for 13 others still missing after the vessel sank in rough seas, Red Sea Governor Amr Hanafi told Reuters.
The Sea Story, carrying 31 tourists and 13 crew members on a multi-day diving expedition, went down Monday near Sataya Reef after being struck by high waves, sinking within five to seven minutes. Officials believe sixteen passengers may have been trapped inside the vessel when it capsized.
Twenty-eight survivors escaped with minor injuries, requiring no hospitalization. Local authorities have housed them in a Marsa Alam hotel while working with foreign embassies and consulates to provide emergency assistance and documentation.
The 34-meter vessel had passed its most recent safety inspection in March 2024 with no technical issues reported, according to Hanafi. The Egyptian-owned boat held a current one-year safety certificate from the Maritime Safety Authority.
Severe weather conditions played a crucial role in the disaster. The Egyptian Red Sea Ports Authority reported waves reaching heights of 3-4 meters (10-13 feet) and wind speeds of 34 knots when the incident occurred, conditions that had already forced the closure of maritime traffic in the area.
REUTERS
