Tragic Boat Capsize Off Egypt's Red Sea Coast: Three Bodies Recovered, Search for 13 Missing Continues

On Tuesday morning, the tragic aftermath of a capsized tourist boat off Egypt's Red Sea coast unfolded, as three bodies were recovered by rescue teams while they continued to search for 13 missing individuals. The incident involved the Sea Story, a vessel carrying 31 tourists and 13 crew members on a multi-day diving trip, which capsized near the Sataya Reef, reportedly due to high waves that caused it to sink within a short span of 5-7 minutes.

Bodies recovered from capsized tourist boat

As per a statement from the Red Sea provincial governor, Amr Hanafi, it was believed that sixteen passengers were trapped inside the vessel at the time of the incident. Fortunately, 28 survivors were rescued with only minor injuries, and none required hospitalization. These survivors are currently being accommodated in a hotel in Marsa Alam, where authorities are collaborating with embassies and consulates to provide the necessary assistance and documentation to them.

Safety Protocols and Weather Conditions

Governor Hanafi reported that the Sea Story had passed its most recent safety inspection in March 2024, during which no technical issues were identified. The boat, owned by an Egyptian national, measured around 100 feet in length and had received a one-year safety certificate from the Maritime Safety Authority. It's worth noting that the incident occurred during adverse weather conditions, with the Egyptian Red Sea Ports Authority documenting wave heights of 10-13 feet and wind speeds of 34 knots in the area.

Impact on Egypt's Tourism Industry

This unfortunate event marks the second boat sinking in the vicinity this year, following an incident in June where a vessel suffered severe damage due to strong waves, although no casualties were reported. The Red Sea, known for its stunning coral reefs and marine life, serves as a prominent hub for Egypt’s tourism sector, which holds significant importance for the country's economy.