NexNews — Four bodies have been recovered from a tourist boat that capsized off Egypt’s Red Sea coast, and rescue teams are still searching for seven people who are missing, according to a statement from the Red Sea Governorate. The boat, named Sea Story, sank on Monday near the Sataya Reef, where it had been carrying 31 tourists and 13 crew members on a multi-day diving trip. The vessel capsized after being struck by high waves, sinking within five to seven minutes.
Rescue teams have saved 33 individuals, including two Belgian tourists, one Swiss, one Finnish, and one Egyptian. A total of 28 survivors sustained only minor injuries and are being accommodated in a hotel in Marsa Alam, while authorities collaborate with embassies to assist with documentation and aid.
The boat had passed its most recent safety inspection in March with no technical faults reported. The vessel, owned by an Egyptian national, was 34 meters long and held a valid one-year safety certificate from the Maritime Safety Authority. The tragic incident occurred during rough weather conditions, with wave heights reported at 3-4 meters (10-13 feet) and wind speeds of 34 knots, leading to the temporary closure of maritime traffic.
This is the second boat disaster in the region this year. In June, another boat was severely damaged by strong waves, but no fatalities were reported. The Red Sea region, famous for its coral reefs and marine life, is a crucial part of Egypt’s tourism industry, which plays an essential role in the country’s economy.
