Egypt: Seventeen people missing after tourist boat sinks in Red Sea
Egyptian authorities announced on Monday, November 25, that 28 individuals were rescued after a tourist boat capsized off the Red Sea coast, with search efforts underway to locate 17 others still missing. The vessel, identified as Sea Story, was carrying 31 tourists from various countries and 14 crew members when it sent out distress signals, early in the morning, according to a statement from the Red Sea Governorate.
The Sea Story, a diving cruise ship, had departed from Port Ghalib in southeastern Egypt on Sunday for a multi-day expedition. It was scheduled to reach Hurghada, a popular tourist destination 200 kilometers (125 miles) to the north, by Friday.
Amr Hanafi, the governor of the Red Sea region, stated that the rescue operations involved a combination of air and sea efforts. Survivors were airlifted to safety, while others were evacuated via a military ship. “The search is actively continuing in collaboration with the navy and armed forces,” Hanafi confirmed in a press release.
The incident underscores the allure and risks associated with Egypt’s Red Sea region, renowned for its pristine waters and vibrant coral reefs, which attract millions of tourists annually. The area is a cornerstone of Egypt’s vital tourism industry, which employs approximately two million people and contributes over 10% of the country’s GDP.
This tragic event comes at a critical time for Egypt, as the nation of 105 million grapples with an economic crisis and seeks to revitalize its tourism sector. Authorities have emphasized the importance of swift rescue operations and a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the capsizing to ensure the safety of future maritime activities in the region.
Search operations, led by the Egyptian navy and armed forces, are expected to continue around the clock until all missing individuals are accounted for. Local officials have also called for increased safety protocols and inspections for vessels operating in the region to prevent similar incidents in the future.
