News EditorRescue teams have recovered four bodies from a tourist boat that capsized off Egypt’s Red Sea coast on Tuesday, while seven people remain missing, the Red Sea Governorate confirmed in a statement.
The boat, named Sea Story, sank on Monday near the Sataya Reef during a multi-day diving trip. The vessel, which was carrying 31 tourists and 13 crew members, was struck by high waves and sank within five to seven minutes.
Provincial Governor Amr Hanafi reported that five people, including two Belgian tourists, one Swiss, one Finnish, and an Egyptian national, were rescued alive. This brings the total number of survivors to 33, with 28 others rescued with minor injuries. These survivors are currently staying in a hotel in Marsa Alam, where authorities are collaborating with embassies to assist with documentation and support.
The Sea Story had passed its most recent safety inspection in March, with no technical issues reported. The 34-meter-long boat was owned by an Egyptian national and had a one-year safety certificate from the Maritime Safety Authority. Hanafi assured that the boat was in good condition at the time of the incident.
The accident occurred amid rough weather conditions, with wave heights reaching 3-4 meters (10-13 feet) and winds of 34 knots in the area on Sunday, which led to the closure of maritime traffic. The Egyptian Red Sea Ports Authority confirmed these hazardous conditions, contributing to the tragic event.
This incident marks the second boat disaster in the region this year. In June, another boat was severely damaged by strong waves, though no casualties were reported.
The Red Sea is a major hub for Egypt’s tourism industry, known for its vibrant coral reefs and rich marine life, drawing millions of visitors annually and playing a crucial role in the country’s economy
