Egyptian authorities are scrambling to locate 45 individuals, including 31 tourists and 14 crew members, who went missing after their vessel sank off the northern coast of Marsa Alam in the Red Sea.
The tragic incident, involving a dive safari boat named Sea Story, was confirmed by local officials in a statement on Monday.
The Red Sea Governorate’s control center reportedly received a distress signal from the Sea Story at approximately 5:30 a.m. local time (3:30 a.m. GMT).
The signal was sent by a crew member as the vessel encountered difficulties during its journey.
“Intense efforts are underway to locate the missing individuals,” the statement read, emphasizing the urgency of the ongoing search and rescue operations.
The ill-fated boat had departed Port Ghalib in Marsa Alam on November 24 for a planned diving expedition.
It was scheduled to return to Hurghada Marina on November 29, according to details provided by the authorities.
The Sea Story was hosting an international group of tourists on a popular Red Sea safari, known for its pristine waters, rich marine biodiversity, and world-class diving sites.
The incident has cast a shadow over Egypt’s Red Sea tourism industry, a critical sector for the nation’s economy.
No details have been released about the cause of the sinking, and officials have yet to confirm if any survivors have been found.
Rescue teams, supported by local maritime authorities, are deploying all available resources in the search operation.
As the situation unfolds, the tragedy highlights ongoing concerns over safety regulations and emergency preparedness in the region’s maritime tourism industry.
Families of the missing await news as rescue efforts continue in the challenging conditions of the Red Sea.
