A tourist yacht carrying 44 passengers sank in the Red Sea off Egypt’s Marsa Alam on Monday, leaving 16 people missing. A preliminary investigation suggests the yacht capsized within minutes after being hit by a large wave, as reported by the Associated Press.
Amar Hanafi, governor of the Red Sea region, confirmed that 28 passengers had been rescued, some airlifted for medical treatment. The survivors suffered minor injuries and were taken to a nearby hotel in good condition. Later, it was learned that 3 bodies had been found, according to a statement to Reuters by the provincial governor of Red Sea, Amar Hanafi.
The yacht named Sea Story was carrying 13 Egyptians as crew members and 31 foreign nationals from countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and Ireland. Rescue operations are underway to find the four missing Egyptians and 12 foreign nationals.
Some of the passengers were inside their cabins at the time of the incident. Authorities said the ship had passed its last safety inspection in March and had all the necessary permits for operations.
The Egyptian military is leading rescue efforts, and foreign governments are providing consular support. Spain reported that five of its nationals had been rescued, while the UK Foreign Office and Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed they were assisting citizens affected by the incident.
The Sea Story, a four-deck ship due in 2022, embarked on a five-day journey from Marsa Alam, despite warnings issued by Egypt’s meteorological authority about rough seas. Officials issued an advisory against marine activity for Sunday and Monday, but the yacht’s distress call was only received early Monday morning.
The ship was operated by Dive Pro LiveaboardLocated in Hurghada. The company is yet to comment on the incident.
