Rescue teams recovered four bodies on Tuesday following the capsizing of a tourist boat near Egypt’s Red Sea coast, while the search continues for eight missing individuals, the Red Sea Governorate confirmed in a statement.
Provincial Governor Amr Hanafi reported that five more survivors were found on Tuesday—two Belgian tourists, one Swiss national, one Finnish, and one Egyptian—bringing the total number of rescued individuals to 33.
The boat, Sea Story, sank on Monday near Sataya Reef, carrying 31 tourists and 13 crew members on a multi-day diving expedition. High waves struck the vessel, causing it to capsize in just five to seven minutes.
Twenty-eight people, rescued on Monday with minor injuries, are now housed in a hotel in Marsa Alam, where authorities and embassy officials are providing assistance and documentation.
Hanafi stated that the Sea Story, a 34-metre vessel owned by an Egyptian national, had passed its most recent safety inspection in March with no reported technical faults. The boat had a one-year safety certificate issued by the Maritime Safety Authority.
The incident occurred during adverse weather conditions. The Egyptian Red Sea Ports Authority had reported wave heights of 3-4 metres (10-13 feet) and wind speeds of 34 knots on Sunday, prompting the suspension of maritime traffic in the area.
This is the second boating accident in the region this year. In June, another vessel suffered damage from strong waves, though no casualties were reported.
The Red Sea, famous for its vibrant coral reefs and marine biodiversity, remains a cornerstone of Egypt’s vital tourism sector. The industry contributes significantly to the country’s economy, but incidents like this highlight the risks posed by unpredictable weather conditions and safety challenges.
