Tourist Boat Sinks Near Egypt’s Red Sea Coast, 16 Rescued, Search Ongoing

Egyptian authorities successfully rescued 16 people after a tourist boat, “Sea Story”, sank off the Red Sea coast near Marsa Alam, officials revealed on Monday. Search and rescue efforts remain underway for the remaining passengers and crew.

The vessel was carrying a total of 45 people, including 31 international tourists of various nationalities and 14 crew members, on a multi-day diving trip, according to the Red Sea Governorate. The distress call was received at 5:30 a.m. local time (0330 GMT) on Monday.

Governor Amr Hanafi stated that a helicopter was deployed to assist in the rescue operation, and survivors were promptly transferred to medical facilities for care. The Egyptian navy and army are actively coordinating the search for those still missing.

The boat had embarked on its journey from Porto Ghalib in Marsa Alam on Sunday and was scheduled to return to Hurghada Marina on November 29. It remains unclear what caused the vessel to sink.

The Red Sea region, famous for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, is a hotspot for diving enthusiasts and a cornerstone of Egypt’s vital tourism industry. The sinking highlights ongoing safety concerns in the waters that draw thousands of international visitors annually.

This incident comes as Egypt continues to promote tourism in the Red Sea area, emphasizing its unique natural attractions. Authorities have not yet released details about the nationalities of the rescued individuals or the number of people still unaccounted for.

The rescue operation remains a top priority, with authorities urging caution and reinforcing the importance of safety measures for maritime tourism in the region.