Four Dead, Seven Missing After Tourist Boat Capsizes Off Egypt’s Red Sea Coast

 Red Sea, Egypt: Tragedy struck off Egypt’s Red Sea coast as a tourist boat, Sea Story, capsized near the Sataya Reef during a multi-day diving trip, leaving four dead and seven missing. Rescue teams continue their search efforts, while authorities provide assistance to survivors.

Rescue Efforts and Survivors

The Red Sea Governorate confirmed the recovery of four bodies on Tuesday, with five more individuals rescued alive, including two Belgian tourists, one Swiss, one Finn, and an Egyptian crew member. This brings the total number of survivors to 33. Among them, 28 were rescued on Monday with minor injuries and are currently staying in a Marsa Alam hotel. Authorities are coordinating with embassies to offer assistance and expedite travel documentation for the survivors.

The Incident

The Sea Story, a 34-meter-long vessel carrying 31 tourists and 13 crew members, capsized on Monday due to high waves, sinking within 5–7 minutes. The boat had undergone its last safety inspection in March, receiving a one-year safety certificate from the Maritime Safety Authority with no reported technical issues, according to Red Sea Governor Amr Hanafi.

Weather Conditions and Maritime Safety

The capsizing occurred amid rough seas, with wave heights reaching 3–4 meters (10–13 feet) and wind speeds of 34 knots reported on Sunday. These conditions prompted the Egyptian Red Sea Ports Authority to close maritime traffic.

This is the second boat to capsize in the area this year. In June, another vessel sustained severe damage from high waves, though no casualties were reported.

Impact on Tourism

The Red Sea, a renowned destination for its coral reefs and marine biodiversity, is a cornerstone of Egypt’s tourism sector—a vital contributor to the nation’s economy. While safety inspections aim to minimize risks, the incident highlights the challenges posed by unpredictable weather and the need for strict maritime safety measures.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident as search and recovery operations remain underway.