In brief
After the tragic sinking of the Sea Story, an Egyptian diver recounts the intricate rescue efforts that led to the recovery of survivors trapped in their cabins, as search operations continue for the missing.
An Egyptian diver involved in the rescue operation following the sinking of a tourist boat in the Red Sea has shared his experiences, detailing the arduous task of locating survivors trapped inside the submerged vessel. Khattab al-Faramawy narrated to the BBC how rescuers descended to depths of 12 meters (40 feet) while relying on torches to guide their way through the darkened cabins where passengers were stranded.On Tuesday, rescuers managed to recover four bodies alongside five survivors from the Sea Story, which capsized while carrying 44 individuals after reportedly being struck by a large wave near Marsa Alam. Authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of the victims, although it is confirmed that two of the missing are British nationals.“The operation required entering the boat and opening cabin doors to pull the passengers out,” Mr. al-Faramawy explained, emphasizing the complexity of the situation. His sentiments were echoed in his hopes for the safe recovery of those still unaccounted for. He remarked, “My heart goes out to the families of the deceased, and I pray that they find all missing passengers alive.”The Sea Story remained largely submerged at the time, with only a fraction of the vessel still above water. Among those rescued was Khattab’s nephew, Youssef, a 23-year-old diving instructor, whose father, Hussam, could hardly contain his emotions upon learning of his son’s survival. “I couldn't break the news to his mother; she wouldn’t have survived the shock,” he recounted tearfully.Youssef is currently in treatment at a local hospital after bravely attempting to save others onboard but found himself trapped in a cabin. His father prayed for Youssef’s safety during the agonizing wait for news.The Egyptian navy is overseeing ongoing rescue efforts, while the military has restricted media access to survivors. Local authorities have shared videos showcasing the rescue operation, capturing moments of survivors being brought ashore, wrapped in blankets, visibly shaken but grateful for their lives.The 44-meter-long Sea Story departed for a five-day diving excursion on Sunday. Reports suggest that the vessel was struck by rough winds overnight, which led to its rapid sinking within five to seven minutes. The Egyptian Meteorological Authority had previously advised against maritime activities due to warnings of high waves on both Sunday and Monday.Despite officials confirming the boat had a valid safety certificate and no mechanical issues, the tragedy raises concerns about tourism safety protocols in the region. Marsa Alam is a favored destination for tourists, drawing in visitors from Europe and beyond for its picturesque diving spots.As investigations continue, the affected nations’ foreign ministries have confirmed that among those missing are citizens from Poland and Finland. Meanwhile, the UK Foreign Office has announced support for the British families impacted by this incident, while the Chinese embassy reported that two of its nationals were rescued and in good health. The aftermath of this tragedy and the impact on the local tourism industry remains to be seen.
