Tragedy struck off Egypt’s eastern coast when the diving vessel Sea Story capsized in the Red Sea on Monday. Rescue teams worked tirelessly to recover four bodies and four survivors early Tuesday, bringing the total number of survivors from the vessel to 32. However, eight individuals remain missing.
The boat, which was fully licensed and had passed all inspection checks, was carrying 31 tourists of various nationalities including Belgium, Britain, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, and the United States, along with a 13-member crew. Among the rescued were two Belgians, one Swiss national, and one Egyptian.
\"Rescue operations are ongoing today, supported by a military helicopter and a frigate in addition to multiple divers,\" stated Red Sea Governor Amr Hanafi to AFP news agency.
The Sea Story embarked on a multi-day diving trip on Sunday and was scheduled to dock on Friday in Hurghada, a popular tourist destination in Egypt. Early Monday, a large wave caused the boat to capsize near Marsa Alam in southeastern Egypt.
Authorities have confirmed that two Polish and two Finnish tourists are among those still missing, as reported by their respective foreign ministries. A preliminary investigation revealed no technical faults with the vessel.
Reference(s):
4 bodies, 4 survivors recovered from Egypt Red Sea sinking: governor
cgtn.com
