5 more have been rescued after tourist yacht sank in Egypt’s Red Sea
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Egyptian naval forces have rescued five people and recovered four bodies following the tragic sinking of a tourist yacht in the Red Sea near Marsa Alam, Egypt. The incident occurred on Monday, when the yacht, Sea Story, capsized after being struck by a large wave. The boat had been carrying 44 passengers and crew members at the time. As of Tuesday, 33 people have been rescued, but seven remain missing.
The Sea Story, a live-aboard vessel typically used for maritime activities like diving, sent out a distress signal after a wave hit the boat, causing it to overturn. Some passengers, who were inside the cabins, were unable to escape as the boat capsized quickly. Survivors who managed to get out of the water have described the scene as chaotic. Within minutes of the wave crashing into the boat, the yacht sank, leaving many passengers stranded in the rough waters of the Red Sea.
The rescue operation began immediately, and 28 individuals were pulled from the water on Monday. By Tuesday, Egyptian authorities had rescued five more survivors. Among the rescued were two Belgians, one Egyptian, a Swiss national, and a Finnish national. The identities of the four people found dead have yet to be determined.
The Sea Story had a diverse group of passengers aboard, including 13 Egyptians, many of whom were part of the crew, and 31 foreign nationals from countries such as the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Poland, Belgium, Switzerland, Finland, China, Slovakia, Spain, and Ireland. The German foreign ministry confirmed that three Germans remain missing, though three others were rescued. Similarly, the Polish foreign ministry reported that two Polish nationals, a man and a woman, are still unaccounted for, and their families have been notified.
The yacht had departed from Port Ghalib in Marsa Alam on Sunday, heading toward Hurghada, where it was scheduled to dock five days later. However, it sank 46 nautical miles from Marsa Alam, according to local authorities. The boat had passed all safety checks before departure, and there were no technical problems reported prior to the incident. Officials confirmed that the Sea Story had all the necessary permits for the trip, and it was last inspected for naval safety in March. The boat, which was built in 2022, had a capacity of 36 passengers, although it was carrying more at the time of the accident.
On the weekend leading up to the incident, the Egyptian Meteorological Authority had issued a warning about turbulent seas and high waves in the region. The authority had advised against maritime activities on both Sunday and Monday due to the rough weather conditions. Despite this, the Sea Story proceeded with its voyage.
Marsa Alam is a popular destination for tourists, particularly scuba diving enthusiasts who flock to the region’s pristine beaches and abundant marine life, including the Oceanic White Tip shark. However, some of the dive sites in the area are known for their challenging conditions, including strong currents, which require advanced diving certification to navigate safely. The area is renowned for its underwater biodiversity, but it also poses risks for those who are unprepared for its conditions.
The ongoing rescue operation has involved the Egyptian military, which is working alongside local authorities to locate and recover the remaining missing passengers. The military’s involvement underscores the scale of the effort and the urgency of the situation, with time running out for the missing passengers.
As the search continues, both Egyptian and international officials are focusing on providing support to the families of those involved. With some foreign nationals still unaccounted for, consulates from several countries are working to ensure that those who are rescued are accounted for and that the families of those who remain missing are kept informed.
This tragedy has highlighted the dangers of maritime activities in the region, particularly when weather conditions are less than ideal. While Marsa Alam remains a major draw for tourists, especially those interested in diving, the sinking of the Sea Story serves as a sobering reminder of the risks involved in such excursions, particularly when unexpected weather events occur.
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