Five more rescued after Red Sea yacht sinking
Five people were rescued by Egyptian naval forces on November 26th while four bodies were recovered a day after a tourist yacht carrying 44 passengers sank in the Red Sea, officials said according to Africa News and agencies. This brings the total number of survivors to 33, with seven remaining missing.
Sea Story sent a distress signal after a large wave hit the boat and it capsized, according to accounts from survivors. Some passengers were in their cabins when the boat overturned within minutes, according to statements.
A still-ongoing rescue operation was ordered and 28 people were rescued from the vessel on November 25th.
Red Sea region governor Amr Hanafy said on November 26th that the five survivors were two Belgians, an Egyptian, a Swiss citizen and a Finnish national, while the four bodies were yet to be identified.
13 Egyptians including crew members were on the boat while 31 were foreign nationals from countries including the US, UK, Germany, Poland, Belgium, Switzerland, Finland, China, Slovakia, Spain, and Ireland.
Germany’s foreign ministry said on November 26th that three Germans remain missing while three others have been rescued, and Poland’s foreign ministry spokesperson said two Polish nationals and missing and their families have been notified.
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Sea Story left Port Ghalib in Marsa Alam on November 24th and was scheduled to deck in Hurghada five days later. The governor says it sank 46 nautical miles away from Marsa Alam.
Officials say the boat had no technical problems, obtained all required permits prior to the trip, and was last checked for naval safety in March. The website of the boat operator Dive Pro Liveaboard says the Sea Story was built in 2022 and can hold 36 passengers.
The Egyptian Meteorological Authority warned on November 23rd of turbulence and high waves, advising against naval activity on the 24th and 25th.
Marsa Alam is known for its beaches, marine life, and regular shark sightings, particularly the Oceanic White Tip, bringing in scuba diving enthusiasts from all over the world. However, some of the dive sites are challenging, with rough currents, requiring advanced certification.
The Egyptian military is also involved in co-ordinating the rescue operation.
