16 Missing, 28 Rescued After Tourist Boat Sinks in Red Sea

Egyptian authorities report that 16 people, including several foreigners, are missing and 28 have been rescued following the sinking of a tourist boat in the Red Sea.

Among the missing are said to be two British nationals as well as one Finnish citizen and four Egyptians. The boat, named Sea Story, had 44 people onboard, including 13 crew members, when it sent out a distress signal at 05:30 (03:30 GMT), the governor of the Red Sea province confirmed.

The cause of the sinking remains unclear, though survivors onboard have indicated that a large wave struck the boat, causing it to capsize. Weather warnings had been issued for the region on Sunday and Monday, cautioning against marine activities due to turbulent conditions.

The Sea Story departed near Marsa Alam on Sunday for a five-day diving excursion, authorities said. Rescue operations are ongoing, with Egyptian Navy warship El Fateh and military aircraft intensifying efforts to locate the missing. Survivors were found near Wadi el-Gemal, south of Marsa Alam, and are receiving medical care.

The Egyptian Meteorological Authority had forecast strong winds of 37-43 mph (60-70 km/h) and waves reaching heights of three to four meters (10-13 feet) in the Red Sea.

Passengers onboard the vessel included five Spanish, four British, four Germans, and two U.S. nationals, in addition to the all-Egyptian crew. Authorities have yet to clarify who is among the rescued and who remains missing, though the Red Sea governorate confirmed that four Egyptians are still unaccounted for.

The Finnish Foreign Ministry confirmed to AFP that one of its nationals is missing, while the UK Foreign Office stated it is providing support to affected British nationals and their families. Chinese state media reported that two Chinese nationals onboard were rescued and are in good health. Polish officials also indicated that two Polish citizens might have been onboard.

Initially, Egyptian authorities reported 45 individuals were on the boat, including 14 crew members and 31 tourists.

Marsa Alam, a popular diving destination on Egypt’s southern Red Sea coast, is surrounded by famous coral reefs. The Sea Story, owned by an Egyptian national, was inspected in March 2024 and received a one-year certificate of validity. According to the Red Sea governor, there were no technical issues with the boat at the time of the incident. Survivors stated the vessel capsized within five to seven minutes after being hit by a large wave.

The governor visited Marsa Alam to meet the rescued passengers, who were reportedly in good health and did not require hospitalization. The survivors are currently staying at a local tourist hotel.

The boat, operated by Egypt-based Dive Pro Liveaboard, was built in 2022 and measures 44 meters (144 feet) in length with four decks and 18 cabins, accommodating up to 36 passengers. Dive Pro Liveaboard has yet to comment on the incident.