Three bodies were recovered on Tuesday morning after a tourist boat capsized off Egypt’s Red Sea coast, with 13 people still missing. The boat, named Sea Story, sank near the Sataya Reef while carrying 31 tourists and 13 crew members on a diving trip. Sixteen passengers were believed to be trapped inside the boat when it sank in just 5-7 minutes due to high waves. Twenty-eight survivors were rescued with minor injuries and were provided with accommodation in a hotel in Marsa Alam.
Authorities were working with embassies and consulates to provide assistance to the survivors. The boat had passed its safety inspection in March 2024 with no reported technical issues. The incident occurred during rough weather conditions, with the Egyptian Red Sea Ports Authority reporting high waves and strong winds in the area, leading to the closure of maritime traffic.
This is the second boat to sink in the area this year, with another boat experiencing severe damage in June. The Red Sea is popular for its coral reefs and marine life, making it a significant destination for Egypt’s tourism industry. Tourism plays a crucial role in the country’s economy, and incidents like this highlight the importance of ensuring safety measures are strictly followed to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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