Egypt Red Sea Boat Tragedy: Four Dead, Four Survivors Found, Eight Missing

AFP | Cairo
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Egyptian authorities have confirmed that four bodies and four survivors were recovered from the Red Sea on Tuesday, following the capsizing of a diving boat off Egypt’s southeastern coast. The incident occurred near Marsa Alam on Monday, when the “Sea Story” boat, carrying 31 tourists and 13 crew members, was hit by a large wave. According to Red Sea Governor Amr Hanafi, the boat sank within minutes of impact, leaving several passengers trapped in their cabins.

The survivors include two Belgians, one Swiss national, and one Egyptian, bringing the total number of survivors to 32. Rescue operations continued on Tuesday, aided by a military helicopter, a frigate, and a team of divers. However, eight individuals remain missing, including two Polish and two Finnish tourists.

The boat, which had embarked on a multi-day diving trip, was due to dock in Hurghada on Friday. The passengers, who hailed from multiple countries, were from Belgium, Britain, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, and the United States.

Earlier reports indicated that six tourists and three Egyptians were treated for minor injuries at a hospital in Marsa Alam before being discharged. Despite prior safety inspections and the boat’s full licensing, authorities have ruled out technical fault as a cause.

This tragedy marks the third similar boat accident in the Marsa Alam area this year, though no fatalities had been reported in previous incidents.