Egypt intensifies search for missing tourists after Red Sea boat tragedy
Egyptian authorities are working tirelessly to locate 16 missing people, including foreigners, following the sinking of the tourist boat Sea Story in the Red Sea.
Among the missing are two Britons, a Finn, and four Egyptians. The vessel, carrying 44 people, including 13 crew members, capsized after being struck by a wave, according to survivor accounts.
The incident occurred near Marsa Alam on a five-day diving trip, amidst weather warnings of strong winds and high waves reaching 10-13 feet. Rescue operations, led by the Egyptian Navy warship El Fateh and military aircraft, have saved 28 people so far.
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The passengers included nationals from Spain, Britain, Germany, the U.S., and Egypt. While survivors are reported to be in good health and housed in local hotels, four Egyptians and other foreigners remain unaccounted for.
Meanwhile, Polish foreign ministry spokesman Pawel Wronski, told state-run Polish news agency PAP that authorities had information that two Polish citizens may have been aboard the boat.
The boat, built in 2022 and certified in March 2024, showed no reported technical issues. However, weather conditions were turbulent, with forecasters advising against marine activities. Egyptian officials continue to coordinate with international agencies to assist survivors and locate the missing.
The incident follows a similar tragedy last year when three Britons died in a fire aboard a dive boat near Marsa Alam, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in the region.
