Three bodies were recovered from a tourist boat that capsized off Egypt’s Red Sea coast, with 13 people still missing. The boat, the Sea Story, sank near the Sataya Reef while carrying 31 tourists and 13 crew members on a diving trip. The incident occurred during rough weather conditions, with high waves causing the boat to sink in minutes. Sixteen passengers were believed to be trapped inside the boat. Twenty-eight survivors were rescued with minor injuries and were provided with accommodation in a hotel in Marsa Alam.
The boat had passed its last safety inspection in March 2024, with no reported technical issues. Owned by an Egyptian national, the 100-foot-long boat had received a one-year safety certificate from the Maritime Safety Authority. The rough weather conditions in the area, which included wave heights of 10-13 feet and wind speeds of 34 knots, led to the closure of maritime traffic.
This incident was the second boat sinking in the area this year, following another vessel which suffered damage from strong waves in June. The Red Sea is a popular destination for tourists due to its coral reefs and marine life, making it a significant hub for Egypt’s tourism industry and economy. Rescue teams were still searching for the missing individuals, while authorities were providing assistance and documentation to survivors with the help of embassies and consulates.
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