Sixteen people, including 12 foreign nationals, are missing after a tourist boat sank off Egypt’s Red Sea coast early Monday morning.
The vessel, named ‘Sea Story’, was carrying 44 people — 31 tourists and 13 crew — on a multi-day diving expedition when it capsized near the coastal town of Marsa Alam, according to a statement from the Red Sea Governorate.
Authorities reported that 28 people were rescued with only minor injuries such as bruises and scrapes, none requiring hospitalisation.
Red Sea Governor Amr Hanafi stated that preliminary findings suggest a large, sudden wave struck the 34-meter vessel, capsizing it within 5–7 minutes.
“Some passengers were in their cabins, which is why they were unable to escape,” Hanafi explained in the statement.
The boat had departed from Porto Ghalib in Marsa Alam on Sunday and was scheduled to return to Hurghada Marina on November 29. A distress call was received at 5:30 a.m. (0330 GMT). Despite immediate search efforts by Egyptian armed forces, including frigates and aircraft, the operation was paused at 5:00 p.m. (1500 GMT) and is expected to resume Tuesday morning.
The passengers aboard ‘Sea Story’ included nationals from 11 countries: the United States, Belgium, Britain, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, and Switzerland.
Hanafi emphasized Egypt’s collaboration with embassies, consulates, and local authorities to assist the rescued tourists. They are currently being housed at a Marsa Alam hotel, where their needs are being addressed.
The British Foreign Office confirmed it is providing consular support to affected citizens and their families.
The Egyptian Red Sea Ports Authority reported that maritime traffic in the area was suspended Sunday afternoon due to extreme weather conditions, with wind speeds reaching 34 knots and waves as high as 3–4 meters (10–13 feet).
Governor Hanafi said that ‘Sea Story’ underwent its most recent inspection in March 2024, receiving a one-year validity certificate from the Maritime Safety Authority. A technical review conducted after the incident confirmed no mechanical faults with the vessel.
The boat is believed to have sunk near the Sataya Reef, a well-known diving site.
The Red Sea is a renowned diving destination famous for its coral reefs and marine biodiversity, drawing tourists from around the world and serving as a cornerstone of Egypt’s tourism industry.
This is the second such incident in the area this year. In June, another boat sank after sustaining severe wave damage, though no casualties were reported. Search and rescue operations are expected to intensify in the coming hours as authorities work to locate the 16 missing passengers.
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