Two British tourists are missing, along with 14 other individuals, after a tourist boat capsized in the Red Sea. The boat, known as the Sea Story, was carrying a total of 30 tourists from different countries and 14 crew members when it issued a distress signal early in the morning. At this time, it is not certain what caused the four-deck boat to sink, although there are reports suggesting that it may have been hit by a large wave during high winds.
Rescue operations have managed to save 28 people, leaving the two British tourists and 14 others still unaccounted for. The UK Foreign Office has confirmed that they are providing assistance to the British nationals involved and their families in light of the incident. The boat had departed from Port Ghalib near Marsa Alam and was scheduled to return to Hurghada, a town approximately 124 miles north.
The governor of the Red Sea region, Amr Hanafi, mentioned that survivors were rescued through various means, including aircraft and warships. Search efforts are ongoing with the cooperation of the navy and armed forces. The nationalities of the missing individuals have not been detailed, although the yacht was said to have had passengers from the US, Germany, Poland, Belgium, Switzerland, Finland, China, Slovakia, Spain, and Ireland.
Reports from witnesses indicate that the boat was hit by a wave during the night, causing it to capsize. Unfortunately, after 12 hours in the water, the chances of finding the missing individuals alive seem slim. Weather conditions in the area had led to the temporary suspension of marine activities, although conditions were initially favorable until the evening.
The Red Sea region is a popular destination for tourists in Egypt, a country currently facing economic challenges. The tourism sector plays a significant role in the country’s economy, employing millions of people and contributing a substantial portion to the GDP. Incidents involving tourist boats in the area are not unheard of, with recent years seeing similar accidents resulting in fatalities.
Safety regulations for marine activities are in place but may not always be consistently enforced. Despite the risks, diving excursions and boat trips remain common in the region, attracting visitors with the allure of the Red Sea’s coral reefs and islands. The recent incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to safety protocols and being prepared for unexpected events while enjoying water activities in the area.
