Survivors Share Harrowing Tales from the Sea Story Disaster in the Red Sea

In the aftermath of the Sea Story’s tragic sinking in the Red Sea, survivors recount their terrifying experiences and confront safety issues, as doubts grow over official explanations for the disaster.

Trapped in a pitch-black air pocket for 35 harrowing hours, survivors of the Sea Story dive boat share their chilling experiences, shedding light on the catastrophic sinking that occurred on November 25. Lucianna Galetta, the last to escape, recalls her despair as she found herself amidst debris and rising waters in the upturned hull. Despite being branded a luxury vessel, the Sea Story claimed at least 11 lives, leaving friends and family searching for answers about the fate of their loved ones, including two British nationals, Jenny Cawson and Tarig Sinada.

Initially, Egyptian authorities pointed to a sudden 4-meter (13-foot) wave as the cause of the disaster. However, numerous survivor accounts clash with this narrative, prompting experts to suggest that crew negligence and structural flaws were more likely culprits. Lucianna and her partner found themselves trapped and discovered an air pocket in the engine room, while fellow passengers struggled to navigate the overturned boat’s chaotic interior.

Onboard that night were 31 international divers and 12 crew members undertaking a six-day voyage when the boat unexpectedly capsized. Survivors reported that dangerous weather conditions were downplayed by the crew, leading to disorientation and confusion as the vessel rolled capriciously. Hissora Gonzalez, another survivor, detailed the struggle to reach safety, emphasizing that the urgency of the escape was overshadowed by fear and uncertainty surrounding their environment.

As survivors clambered onto life rafts, they faced severe shortages of supplies, including essentials like water and food. Many rafts had no functioning equipment, raising concerns about the adherence to safety protocols by the operating company, Dive Pro Liveaboard. Lucianna's incident exemplifies the need for thorough safety inspections and emergency readiness, especially after the Egyptian government opened an investigation into the tragedy.

After nearly a day and half in the hull, they were ultimately rescued by a local diving instructor who had braved the wreckage, highlighting a lack of immediate organized rescue efforts. Emphasizing their trauma, survivors are now demanding accountability, as friends and family of those still missing contend with their grief and a longing for justice. As investigations continue, the chilling accounts of the Sea Story's sinking will serve as enduring reminders of the risks associated with diving excursions in unstable conditions.