Tragic Boat Capsizing in Egypt: Diver Rescues Nephew from Wreckage

An Egyptian diver shares his harrowing experience of rescuing his nephew from a capsized tourist boat off the coast of Egypt, amid ongoing search efforts.

An Egyptian diver, Khattab al-Faramawy, relayed a gripping account of his rescue operation after a tourist boat capsized in the Red Sea. Onboard the vessel, which sank due to powerful waves near Marsa Alam, was his 23-year-old nephew, Youssef, trapped yet alive.

During the incident, which transpired earlier this week, rescuers located five survivors and recovered four bodies. As the rescue operation continued into its third day, seven individuals remain unaccounted for, fueling a growing concern.

"We dived down about 12 meters (40 feet) and found the survivors trapped in the cabins,” Mr. al-Faramawy recounted. “It was an incredibly challenging mission as we navigated the darkness with only our torch lights for guidance.”

Despite the obstacles, the rescuers managed to open the cabin doors, freeing the passengers inside. Youssef, who worked as a diving instructor, was trying to assist others when he became locked in a cabin. His father, Hussam al-Faramawy, expressed his overwhelming fear and relief upon learning his son had survived.

“I couldn’t bring myself to tell his mother until I knew he was okay,” Hussam confided emotionally. “When I heard the news, I broke down—I was just praying for his safety.” Currently, Youssef and other rescued survivors are receiving medical treatment at a local hospital. Of the total 44 people onboard the Sea Story, 33 have been rescued thus far.

Authorities continue their search, with reports indicating that two British nationals are among the missing. The military and Egyptian navy are spearheading the rescue operations, keeping survivors away from the media spotlight. Eyewitness accounts from survivors describe the harrowing ordeal, with one survivor recalling, “I was shaking from the cold before the rescue.”

The 44-meter-long vessel had embarked from Marsa Alam for a five-day diving expedition and sank swiftly after encountering rough winds, according to Red Sea governor Maj-Gen Amr Hanafi. Despite adverse weather alerts from the Egyptian Meteorological Authority warning of high waves prior to the sinking, officials stated the boat had a valid safety certification.

Diving tourism remains a major attraction for visitors to Egypt’s Red Sea resorts, particularly in Marsa Alam, known for its excellent diving conditions and vibrant marine life. International tourist presence aboard the boat included individuals from several countries, such as Belgium, the UK, and China. As the investigation proceeds, the families of missing persons await hopeful news from the ongoing search efforts.