Tragedy Strikes as Tourist Boat Capsizes in Red Sea

Mon Sep 15 2025 15:08:06 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Rescue efforts unfold as authorities search for missing passengers after Sea Story sinks during diving expedition.

A tourist boat with 45 individuals aboard sank in the Red Sea, prompting a major rescue operation that has already uncovered some survivors, while authorities continue the search for the missing.

Officials from Egypt's Red Sea Governorate confirmed that the tourist vessel, the Sea Story, capsized on Saturday while en route to a diving site near Marsa Alam. The boat set sail carrying 31 tourists and 14 crew members when it issued a distress signal around 05:30 local time (03:30 GMT).

According to Major-General Amr Hanafi, immediate rescue operations were initiated. Survivors were located in the Wadi el-Gemal region and have been evacuated via aircraft for urgent medical attention. Meanwhile, other survivors await assistance aboard an Egyptian warship as maritime rescue efforts continue across the area.

The Red Sea's popularity as a diving destination has raised concerns about safety regulations in the region. Rescuers remain vigilant, combing through the waters for individuals who have yet to be accounted for, amidst reports of an earlier incident involving three British tourists who went missing due to a related boat fire. The situation continues to evolve as more information will be announced by local authorities.