In brief
A tragic incident occurred when the 'Sea Story' capsized due to high waves, leading to the rescue of 28 individuals while 16 remain missing. Local authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.
In a distressing incident off the Egyptian coast, 16 people remain missing following the capsizing of a tourist boat, the 'Sea Story,' which met with a large wave while on a diving trip in the Red Sea. Egyptian authorities confirmed on Tuesday that search and rescue operations are ongoing.The boat, carrying 44 passengers, including tourists from multiple countries, departed from Marsa Alam for a six-day diving excursion intended to conclude in Hurghada. Onboard were 13 Egyptians and 31 foreign tourists from destinations like the United States, Belgium, and Germany.After the capsizing occurred early Monday morning, local search teams managed to rescue 28 individuals, who were reported to have only minor injuries and were later accommodated in a local hotel. Unfortunately, four of the missing individuals are Egyptian nationals, while 12 are foreign tourists.Reports have surfaced that three bodies were recovered; however, this information has yet to be independently authenticated. The Egyptian Meteorological Authority had cautioned about potential high waves shortly before the voyage commenced, raising questions about whether the crew had acknowledged the warning.Witnesses from the Marsa Alam area indicated that choppy waters were present just prior to the incident. The vessel reportedly took on water and sunk within a mere seven minutes after being struck by the wave, with some passengers believed to be trapped in their cabins at the time.The governor of the Red Sea province stated that 'Sea Story' had passed its safety inspection earlier this year, suggesting that underlying technical issues may not be a concern. The investigation into the causes of the accident is currently underway, as authorities seek to ascertain the full scope of this tragic event.
