The tragic night in November saw experienced divers face life-or-death decisions while Egyptian authorities cite natural causes, despite evidence suggesting negligence.
Tragedy on the Red Sea: Survivors Share Harrowing Tales from Sinking Dive Boat
Tragedy on the Red Sea: Survivors Share Harrowing Tales from Sinking Dive Boat
Survivors recount their terrifying experience trapped in the upturned hull of the Sea Story dive boat after it sank, raising questions about safety protocols.
Forty-five minutes into the night of November 25, the Sea Story, an Egyptian dive vessel with 31 guests and 12 crew, capsized in treacherous waters, triggering a wave of survival stories. Lucianna Galetta, one of 35 survivors, recalls her desperate moments in complete darkness, emphasizing the emotional toll of being trapped for 35 grueling hours. “I was just wondering how I would prefer to die," she confesses, depicting the grim reality of their ordeal.
Initial reports from Egyptian authorities claimed a formidable 4-meter wave struck the vessel, but survivors challenge this narrative. Influential oceanographer Dr. Simon Boxall analyzed weather data and dismissed the claim, suggesting mechanical failure and crew error were more plausible causes. These suspicions are echoed by survivors who criticized Dive Pro Liveaboard for safety lapses.
Guests described how moments before the catastrophe, the Sea Story felt strangely unstable, with furniture sliding around on deck. As the boat rolled sharply before capsizing around 3:00 AM, survivors fought to escape their cabins, facing a maze of scattered items blocking exits. Each account resonates with fear; one survivor only managed to flee after repeated attempts to find the door, while a group faced disorientation in the pitch-black space.
Among the last to be rescued were Lucianna and her partner Christophe, who sought refuge in an air pocket with a dive instructor. After drenched hours filled with despair and uncertainty, a local diving instructor eventually located the trio and led them to safety.
Despite being found, rescue efforts were slow due to poor communication and a lack of immediate resources, leaving them waiting for findings that took nearly 35 hours to surface. The tragedy claimed the lives of at least 11 individuals, including Britons Jenny Cawson and Tarig Sinada, whose absence has left their friends devastated.
As inquiries continue, survivors advocate for safety reforms in Egypt's diving industry. Lucianna expresses her determination to uncover the truth: “We are lucky to be alive, but I want their families to grieve.” Her plea highlights the dire need for comprehensive investigations into the incident, calling into question the protocols surrounding maritime safety in a region renowned for its diving opportunities.
