Seventeen people missing after tourist boat sinks in the Red Sea

The Sea Story reportedly departed a port near Marsa Alam, Egypt, on Saturday with 31 tourists and 14 others on board

Egyptian authorities have confirmed that 17 people are still missing, including foreign nationals, after a tourist boat sank in the Red Sea. A total of 28 people have been rescued so far. The incident occurred when the Sea Story, a tourist boat, issued a distress signal at 05:30 local time (03:30 GMT) on Saturday. The boat had departed from a port near Marsa Alam for a five-day diving trip. Aboard were 31 tourists and 14 crew members, according to Maj-Gen Amr Hanafi, the governor of the Red Sea province.

The survivors were located in the Wadi el-Gemal area, which lies south of Marsa Alam. They were immediately rescued and are now receiving medical care. The Egyptian Navy, with the assistance of military aircraft, has launched extensive search efforts to locate those still missing. Authorities are hopeful that the rescue operation will continue to make progress in locating the missing individuals.

The tourist boat, Sea Story, was carrying a mix of international tourists from various countries. According to the local council in Marsa Alam, the crew members of the boat were all Egyptian, while the tourists on board came from several nations, including the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, the United States, Slovakia, Switzerland, Belgium, Poland, Norway, Ireland, Finland, and China. This diverse group of tourists highlights Marsa Alam’s popularity as a travel destination, particularly among those interested in diving and exploring the marine life in the region’s renowned coral reefs.

Marsa Alam 

A well-known tourist hub located on Egypt's southern Red Sea coast, a region famous for its diving spots and clear waters teeming with diverse marine species. The area attracts thousands of visitors each year, making it a prime location for diving excursions and boat trips. The Sea Story had been on a diving tour of the area’s reefs when the tragedy occurred.

The vessel was a relatively new one, having been built in 2022. It is 44 meters (144 feet) long and equipped with four decks and 18 cabins, capable of accommodating up to 36 passengers. The boat's operator, Dive Pro Liveaboard, which is based in Egypt, has not yet provided any official statements regarding the sinking, and it remains unclear what caused the incident.

The authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause of the sinking, though initial reports indicate that the distress signal was sent at around 05:30 AM local time. This suggests that the boat was in distress in the early morning hours. It is still unclear whether the incident was caused by mechanical failure, weather conditions, or another factor. Dive Pro Liveaboard, the company responsible for operating the Sea Story, has not publicly commented on the matter as of yet.

The sinking of the Sea Story raises concerns about the safety protocols in place for such tourist vessels. With diving tourism being a significant industry in Egypt, ensuring the safety of tourists is crucial to maintaining the country’s reputation as a prime travel destination. The Egyptian authorities have pledged to continue their search and rescue efforts, and have assured that they are doing everything possible to locate the missing passengers and crew members.

As the investigation continues, more information is expected to be released about the circumstances leading to the sinking. The incident has drawn attention to the potential risks associated with liveaboard diving boats, which are often used for extended diving trips in the Red Sea. With several countries’ nationals among the passengers, the event is likely to receive further international scrutiny, and authorities will likely face pressure to ensure that safety standards are upheld for future voyages.