Four bodies have been recovered from the tourist yacht which was hit by a “huge wave” and sank off the Red Sea coast of Egypt on Monday.
But five more people were found alive today - two Belgian tourists, an Egyptian a Swiss national and a Finnish national - and rescue teams were still searching for seven missing people, the area’s governor said in a statement. This brings the total number of survivors to 33.
Two Britons were among the 16 people initially reported missing, according to Red Sea governor Amr Hanafi. It is unconfirmed whether the Brits were among the bodies recovered on Tuesday.
The rescue is being coordinated by the Egyptian military and the Red Sea Governate, with armed forces aircraft deployed to the scene.
The boat sank off the Egyptian coastal town of Marsa Alam with 31 tourists of various nationalities and 13 crew members on board.
It has not been confirmed what caused the four-deck motor yacht to capsize, but the Egyptian Meteorological Authority had warned about rough weather, advising against maritime activity for Sunday and Monday on the Red Sea.
Key points
- Five found alive and four bodies recovered
- Mapped: Where did the tourist yacht sink in the Red Sea?
- What caused the yacht to sink?
- Pictured: Survivors of capsized vessel
- Two Britons feared missing in Red Sea
Chinese and Polish nationals declared safe
04:00
Jabed Ahmed
The Chinese embassy in Egypt said Monday two of its nationals were “in good health” after being “rescued in the cruise ship sinking accident in the Red Sea”, Chinese state media reported.
Pawel Wronski, the Polish foreign ministry spokesman, said authorities “have information that two of the tourists may have had Polish citizenship”.
“That’s all we know about them. That’s all we can say for now,” he said. The Finnish foreign ministry confirmed one of its nationals is missing.
Search continues for seven missing people
03:29
Shweta Sharma
A search for seven people missing on the tourist yacht continues for the third day after it capsized in less than seven minutes on Monday into the Red Sea.
The governor of the Red Sea region, Amr Hanafy, said rescuers were still searching for the missing people after a total of 33 people were rescued.
The Sea Story was carrying 44 people, including 31 foreign nationals from the UK, the US, Germany, Poland, Belgium, Switzerland, Finland, China, Slovakia, Spain and Ireland, when it was struck by a large wave.
The governor said he visited the site where the vessel sank and said those rescued were airlifted to receive medical treatment.
Those who survived suffered only bruises and abrasions and were taken to a hotel in Marsa Alam in good condition.
02:00
Jabed Ahmed
What caused the yacht to sink?
00:21
Jabed Ahmed
It was not immediately clear what caused the four-deck motor yacht to sink after it departed from the Egyptian coastal town of Marsa Alam on Monday.
The Egyptian Meteorological Authority on Saturday warned about rough weather and large waves, advising against maritime activity for Sunday and Monday on the Red Sea.
A surviving crew member also said the boat was “hit by a wave in the middle of the night, throwing the vessel on its side”.
Other survivors said a “high sea wave” hit the vessel and caused it to capsize in “about five or seven minutes”, according to the governor of the Red Sea region Amr Hanafi.
Watch: Egypt tourist yacht survivors gather after boat sinks
Tuesday 26 November 2024 23:29
Jabed Ahmed
Capsized vessel had enough escape rafts for 50 people
Tuesday 26 November 2024 22:31
Jabed Ahmed
The capsized Sea Story vessel had enough “safety rafts” for everyone on board the boat, its specifications show.
On the Dive Pro Liveaboard website, the company which owns and operates the boat, Sea Story is listed with “two safety rafts for 25 persons each”. There were 44 people on board the boat.
But according to Red Sea regional governor Amr Hanafi, some people were stuck in their cabins when a huge wave struck the boat and it began to capsize.
The website says that each cabin had life jackets inside.
The four-deck boat has 18 twin cabins, a lounge, and a bar. It is 44 meters long and 9 meters wide, the specifications add.
What is the best advice for someone considering a dive holiday in Egypt?
Tuesday 26 November 2024 21:29
Jabed Ahmed
Egypt has a much higher risk level than the UK, so the whole journey should be considered. The Foreign Office says: “[Road accidents are common because of poor road conditions, dangerous driving and poor traffic law enforcement.
“Serious bus crashes in recent years have caused many deaths, including tourists.
“There have also been fatal train collisions and derailments.”
The best protection is afforded by booking a proper package (flights, accommodation and activities) through a UK operator, who do all they can to ensure it is a safe experience. But ultimately safety standards are not up to British standards.
Is the Red Sea a dangerous part of the world for shipping?
Tuesday 26 November 2024 20:31
Jabed Ahmed
Not especially – except for Houthi activity – but there can be some intense thunderstorms.
The worst maritime disaster in the Red Sea occurred in 2006, when a ferry from Duba in Saudi Arabia to Safaga in Egypt sank after a fire on board and subsequent efforts to extinguish it. Around 1,000 passengers lost their lives, with bad weather thought to have contributed to the appallingly high death toll.
The Foreign Office warns: “Overcrowding and poor safety standards have caused accidents on Red Sea ferries and Nile cruises.”
In June 2023 three British tourists died in a fire aboard another dive boat, Hurricane, close to the spot Sea Story sank.
Boat tragedy echoes similar incident in June 2023
Tuesday 26 November 2024 19:27
Jabed Ahmed
The sinking of a diving boat in the Red Sea off the coast of Egypt has shocked the region and many across the world.
Three bodies have now been recovered, with 13 people still lost at sea as rescue efforts continue.
It is not the first such incident on a diving boat in the Red Sea. in June 2023, three British tourists died after a diving boat burst into flames.
They were part of a group of 15 qualified divers. The remaining 12 divers and 13 crew members evacuated the vessel.
Here is our report from last June:
What was the timescale?
Tuesday 26 November 2024 18:29
Jabed Ahmed
On Saturday, the Egyptian Meteorological Authority forecast high seas on the Red Sea, with 40mph winds and 12-foot waves, and advised against maritime activity for Sunday and Monday.
On Sunday Sea Story left Port Ghalib, just north of the resort of Marsa Alam, on a routine five-day voyage. On board: 13 crew and 31 divers.
Early on Monday morning the vessel capsized after being struck by a large wave, according to the accounts of survivors. The crew managed to send out a distress call, and 28 of the people on board were rescued.
What was this vessel doing and what do we know about the boat?
Tuesday 26 November 2024 17:32
Jabed Ahmed
Sea Story was a liveaboard diving boat, based near the Red Sea port of Marsa Alam. She is one of dozens of similar vessels that take divers out to some of the most exciting underwater locations on the planet – with reefs, wrecks and colourful fish.
For a week’s voyage with the dive operator, Dive Pro Liveaboard, you would pay €1,220 (just over £1,000) and enjoy three or four dives per day.
Sea Story was kitted out with 16 double cabins, so room for 32 divers, and a usual crew of 12 – eight seafarers and four kitchen staff. She was very modern, built in 2022. The operator, Dive Pro Liveaboard, says it is “locally owned and operating from the heart of Hurghada” – a Red Sea resort popular with British travellers.
The Red Sea governorate said the boat had passed a safety inspection in March 2024.
Mapped: Where did the yacht sink?
Tuesday 26 November 2024 16:30
Jabed Ahmed
Pictured: Sea Story vessel
Tuesday 26 November 2024 15:43
Alex Croft
The 144-foot two-engine Sea Story vessel was built in 2022 and is registered in Safaga, Egypt, according to the boat’s owner.
Owned by tourist company Dive pro Liveaboard, the boat has space for 36 passengers and 12 crew members including a captain, cooks, waiters and sailors.
At the time it sank, it was carrying 44 people. This included 31 tourists and 13 crew members, according to the Red Sea governornate.
It carried safety jackets in each cabin and two 25-person safety rafts, according to Dive pro Liveaboard’s website.
In pictures: Rescue workers bring survivors to safety
Tuesday 26 November 2024 15:21
Alex Croft
Yacht operation company ‘has no information on matter’
Tuesday 26 November 2024 14:57
Alex Croft
The yacht was operated by Dive Pro Liveaboard, which is based in the Egyptian resort of Hurghada.
The company previously said it has no information on the matter, and has not provided any comment on the rescue operation on Tuesday.
Watch: Egypt tourist yacht survivors gather after boat sinks
Tuesday 26 November 2024 14:35
Alex Croft
Breaking: Fifth survivor of the day rescued
Tuesday 26 November 2024 14:16
Alex Croft
The fifth survivor of the day - a Finnish national - has now been rescued by Egyptian authorities.
It brings the total number of survivors up to 33, with four people confirmed dead and seven people missing.
Earlier today, four people were rescued and four bodies were recovered. On Monday, 28 people were rescued after the boat capsized.
Irish foreign minister says citizen onboard yacht is ‘OK’ - reports
Tuesday 26 November 2024 13:52
Alex Croft
An Irish citizen who was on board a tourist yacht which sank in the Red Sea off Egypt yesterday is safe, Irish media cited foreign minister Micheál Martin as saying.
“My understanding is that Irish citizen is OK and receiving consular assistance from the Department of Foreign Affairs,” Mr Martin told reporters in Dublin on Tuesday morning, according to RTE.
Breaking: Another survivor found
Tuesday 26 November 2024 13:41
Alex Croft
Another survivor has been found alive and rescued as the major search and rescue operation continues.
This brings the number of survivors up to 32, with four people confirmed dead and eight people still missing.
It comes after three people were found alive earlier today and four bodies were recovered.
Chinese and Polish nationals declared safe
Tuesday 26 November 2024 13:23
Alex Croft
The Chinese embassy in Egypt said Monday two of its nationals were “in good health” after being “rescued in the cruise ship sinking accident in the Red Sea”, Chinese state media reported.
Pawel Wronski, the Polish foreign ministry spokesman, said authorities “have information that two of the tourists may have had Polish citizenship”.
“That’s all we know about them. That’s all we can say for now,” he said. The Finnish foreign ministry confirmed one of its nationals is missing.
In pictures: Yachts docked and beaches closed amid poor sea conditions
Tuesday 26 November 2024 13:02
Alex Croft
Three found alive and four bodies recovered
Tuesday 26 November 2024 12:53
Alex Croft
Four bodies were recovered on Tuesday and rescue teams were still searching for nine missing people, the Red Sea Governorate said in a statement.
Provincial governor Amr Hanafi said rescue teams had found three people alive - two Belgian tourists and an Egyptian - bringing the total number of survivors to 31.
Survivors all escaped major injuries
Tuesday 26 November 2024 12:43
Alex Croft
All 28 survivors of the Sea Story yacht, which capsized on Monday, were rescued with only minor injuries.
None of the survivors required hospitalisation, authorities reported.
They are now being accommodated in a hotel in Marsa Alam, where they are being given consular assistance by their embassies.
Egypt tourist boat: Everything we know about the incident in the Red Sea
Tuesday 26 November 2024 12:22
Simon Calder, Travel Correspondent
Two Brits are among either three bodies found or 13 people missing after a dive boat was hit by a “huge wave” and capsized off the Red Sea coast of Egypt on Monday 25 November.
In a rescue operation, 28 people were saved from the Sea Story before she sank, according to the governor of the Red Sea region, Amr Hanafi.
These are the key questions and answers.
What was this vessel doing?
Sea Story was a liveaboard diving boat, based near the Red Sea port of Marsa Alam. She is one of dozens of similar vessels that take divers out to some of the most exciting underwater locations on the planet – with reefs, wrecks and colourful fish.
For a week’s voyage with the dive operator, Dive Pro Liveaboard, you would pay €1,220 (just over £1,000) and enjoy three or four dives per day.
The Independent’s travel correspondent Simon Calder reports:
When was the distress call made?
Tuesday 26 November 2024 12:01
Alex Croft
A distress call was received at 5.30am from the boat, which had departed from Porto Ghalib in Marsa Alam on Sunday with plans to return to Hurghada Marina on 29 November.
Egyptian armed forces frigates and aircraft swept the area in search of the missing, but by 5pm the search had been paused for the night, a government source told Reuters on Monday.
Red Sea governor Amr Hanafi said that Egypt is collaborating with embassies, consulates, and relevant authorities to facilitate documentation for the rescued passengers, who are staying at a hotel in Marsa Alam, and to ensure their needs are met.
Boat tragedy echoes similar incident in June 2023
Tuesday 26 November 2024 11:39
Alex Croft
The sinking of a diving boat in the Red Sea off the coast of Egypt has shocked the region and many across the world.
Three bodies have now been recovered, with 13 people still lost at sea as rescue efforts continue.
It is not the first such incident on a diving boat in the Red Sea. in June 2023, three British tourists died after a diving boat burst into flames.
They were part of a group of 15 qualified divers. The remaining 12 divers and 13 crew members evacuated the vessel.
Here is our report from last June:
Capsized vessel had enough escape rafts for 50 people
Tuesday 26 November 2024 11:17
Alex Croft
The capsized Sea Story vessel had enough “safety rafts” for everyone on board the boat, its specifications show.
On the Dive Pro Liveaboard website, the company which owns and operates the boat, Sea Story is listed with “two safety rafts for 25 persons each”. There were 44 people on board the boat.
But according to Red Sea regional governor Amr Hanafi, some people were stuck in their cabins when a huge wave struck the boat and it began to capsize.
The website says that each cabin had life jackets inside.
The four-deck boat has 18 twin cabins, a lounge, and a bar. It is 44 meters long and 9 meters wide, the specifications add.
Everything we know so far
Tuesday 26 November 2024 10:58
Alex Croft
- Sea Story, an Egyptian-owned boat, had set sail on a five-day scuba diving trip, carrying 31 tourists and 13 crew.
- This was despite warnings by the Egyptian Meteorological Authority on Saturday, advising against maritime activity on Sunday and Monday.
- Survivors report that the boat was hit by a huge wave on Monday. Wave heights of 3-4 meters (10-13 feet) and wind speeds of 34 knots were reported in the area on Sunday by the Egyptian Red Sea Ports Authority.
- The boat capsized within a five to seven minutes, sparking a major rescue effort led by an Egyptian navy warship El Fateh and military aircraft. Some people were reportedly in their cabins at the time.
- The boat sunk off the popular tourist destination of Marsa Alam.
- 28 people were rescued, but on Monday night 16 people remained missing, including two Brits. Tourists on the boat included nationals from the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Poland, Belgium, Switzerland, Finland, China, Slovakia, Spain and Ireland.
- A technical defect on the boat was ruled out by the Red Sea region’s governor, Amr Hanafi, who said all the necessary safety permits had been obtained.
- Embassies from around the world confirmed on Monday that they were offering consular assistance following the incident.
- On Tuesday morning, it was reported that three bodies have been recovered. No details about the recovered bodies have been released.
Mapped: Where did the tourist yacht sink in the Red Sea?
Tuesday 26 November 2024 10:37
Alex Croft
Survivors accommodated in hotel
Tuesday 26 November 2024 10:17
Alex Croft
Survivors of the sunken boat were being accommodated in a hotel in Marsa Alam on Monday, Reuters reported.
Authorites are working with embassies and consulates as they provide assistance and documentation to the survivors.
Breaking: Three bodies recovered from capsized boat
Tuesday 26 November 2024 09:37
Alex Croft
Three bodies have been recovered from the capsized tourist boat off Egypt’s Red Sea coast, the governor of the region has announced.
Thirteen people remain missing, Red Sea Governor Amr Hanafi told Reuters on Tuesday.
We will bring you more detail as it comes.
In pictures: Medics await possible survivors
Tuesday 26 November 2024 09:25
Alex Croft
Watch: Egypt tourist yacht survivors gather after boat sinks
Tuesday 26 November 2024 09:09
Alex Croft
Ireland providing consular assistance to Irish nationals
Tuesday 26 November 2024 08:48
Alex Croft
Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs has released a statement after a vessel - which was holding Irish nationals - capsized in the Red Sea.
The department said it was “aware of this incident and is providing consular assistance”.
No further detail was provided.
What caused the yacht to sink?
Tuesday 26 November 2024 08:33
Alex Croft
It was not immediately clear what caused the four-deck motor yacht to sink after it departed from the Egyptian coastal town of Marsa Alam on Monday.
The Egyptian Meteorological Authority on Saturday warned about rough weather and large waves, advising against maritime activity for Sunday and Monday on the Red Sea.
A surviving crew member also said the boat was “hit by a wave in the middle of the night, throwing the vessel on its side”.
Other survivors said a “high sea wave” hit the vessel and caused it to capsize in “about five or seven minutes”, according to the governor of the Red Sea region Amr Hanafi.
Pictures: Rescued tourists after yacht sinking
Tuesday 26 November 2024 08:00
Namita Singh
Watch: Rescuers help survivors of boat sunk off Red Sea coast
Tuesday 26 November 2024 07:45
Alex Croft
What we still don't know about the yacht sinking
Tuesday 26 November 2024 07:30
Namita Singh
At least 16 people are missing after a tourist yacht sank in the Red Sea amidst warnings of rough weather, according to Egyptian officials. The vessel, named Sea Story, was carrying 44 people, including 31 foreign nationals and 13 Egyptians, some of whom were crew members.
Over 24 hours since the distress call, authorities have yet to disclose the identities of the 16 missing individuals. Apart from confirming the presence of two Britons and four Egyptians among them, no additional details regarding the names, ages, or nationalities of the victims have been released. So far, there has also been no confirmation of fatalities.
The international passengers hailed from countries including the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Poland, Belgium, Switzerland, Finland, China, Slovakia, Spain, and Ireland.
Rescuers are continuing their search for the missing, which includes four Egyptians and 12 foreigners.
The survivors mostly escaped with only bruises and abrasions, have been moved to a hotel in Marsa Alam and are reported to be in good condition, according to Amr Hanafy, governor of the Red Sea region.
Preliminary reports suggest the yacht capsized after being struck by a large wave. Statements from crew members and passengers indicate that the incident unfolded within minutes, with some passengers still inside the cabins when the wave hit. Officials have confirmed that the boat had no technical issues, was fully compliant with safety regulations, and had passed a naval safety inspection in March.
Yacht was carrying 31 foreigners
Tuesday 26 November 2024 07:00
Alexander Butler
Amr Hanafi, governor of the Red Sea region, said the yacht was carrying 44 people. It has capacity for 48 people, according to its website.
This included 31 foreign nationals from the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Poland, Belgium, Switzerland, Finland, China, Slovakia, Spain and Ireland.
Recap: Two Britons among 16 missing after tourist yacht sinks in Red Sea
Tuesday 26 November 2024 06:45
Namita Singh
Two Britons are reported to be among dozens of people missing after a tourist yacht capsized off the coast of Egypt.
Sea Story was carrying 44 people and sunk after being hit by a wave in the Red Sea at around 5.30am local time on Monday morning, said Amr Hanafi, governor of the Red Sea region.
While 28 people were rescued, 16 people remained missing on Monday night, Mr Hanafi said.
Report:
Passengers were stuck inside cabins, governor says
Tuesday 26 November 2024 06:00
Alexander Butler
Some passengers were stuck inside cabins when the vessel was hit by a large wave and capsized, the Red Sea’s governor said.
Mapped: Where did the yacht sink?
Tuesday 26 November 2024 05:45
Namita Singh
Sixteen people, including two Britons and four Egyptians, are missing after a tourist yacht sank in the Red Sea off Egypt while on its way from Porto Ghalib in Marsa Alam to Hurghada Marina.
Three Britons killed in Marsa Alam last year
Tuesday 26 November 2024 05:30
Namita Singh
This is not the first time that Britons have found themselves in the middle of a tragedy in Marsa Alam. It is a popular destination for tourists embarking on diving holidays, as it is near large areas with coral reefs.
Three Britons died in June last year when the diving boat they were on burst into flames off Marsa Alam.
The fire was caused by a suspected electrical fault.
When was the distress call made?
Tuesday 26 November 2024 05:15
Namita Singh
A distress call was received at 5.30am from the boat, which had departed from Porto Ghalib in Marsa Alam on Sunday with plans to return to Hurghada Marina on 29 November.
Egyptian armed forces frigates and aircraft swept the area in search of the missing, but by 5pm the search had been paused for the night, a government source told Reuters on Monday.
Red Sea governor Amr Hanafi said that Egypt is collaborating with embassies, consulates, and relevant authorities to facilitate documentation for the rescued passengers, who are staying at a hotel in Marsa Alam, and to ensure their needs are met.
Chinese and Polish nationals declared safe
Tuesday 26 November 2024 05:00
Alexander Butler
The Chinese embassy in Egypt said Monday two of its nationals were “in good health” after being “rescued in the cruise ship sinking accident in the Red Sea”, Chinese state media reported.
Pawel Wronski, the Polish foreign ministry spokesman, said authorities “have information that two of the tourists may have had Polish citizenship”.
“That’s all we know about them. That’s all we can say for now,” he said. The Finnish foreign ministry confirmed one of its nationals is missing.
How have governments responded?
Tuesday 26 November 2024 04:30
Namita Singh
Sixteen people, including two Britons and four Egyptians, are missing after a tourist yacht sank in the Red Sea off Egypt.
The Sea Story was carrying 44 in total, including 31 foreign nationals from the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Poland, Belgium, Switzerland, Finland, China, Slovakia, Spain and Ireland, when the vessel was hit by a “high sea wave”, causing it to capsize.
The UK foreign office said it was providing consular support to “a number of British nationals and their families” after the sinking.
Ireland’s department of foreign affairs also told The Associated Press in an email that it is “aware of this incident and is providing consular assistance” without revealing further details.
Spain’s foreign ministry said it was not aware of any Spanish nationals among the missing. The ministry said that five Spanish nationals were rescued and are out of danger.
Watch: Rescuers help survivors of boat sunk off Red Sea coast as two Britons feared missing
Tuesday 26 November 2024 04:00
Alexander Butler
What happened and how was the rescue coordinated?
Tuesday 26 November 2024 03:14
Namita Singh
The yacht, named Sea Story, had left Marsa Alam for a five-day journey when a distress call was made shortly before dawn on Monday.
Amr Hanafi, governor of the Red Sea region, said that according to those on board, a “high sea wave” hit the vessel and caused it to capsize in “about five or seven minutes”.
Some passengers were inside the cabins, “which is why they couldn’t get out of the boat”, his statement on Facebook said.
Mr Hanafi ruled out any technical defect with the ship, saying that all the required licences were obtained before the trip. It was last checked for naval safety in March, according to officials.
Rescue operations are being co-ordinated by the Egyptian military and the Red Sea Governorate.
Armed forces aircraft were deployed above the scene as part of the response.
Yacht operation company ‘has no information on matter’
Tuesday 26 November 2024 03:04
Namita Singh
The yacht was operated by Dive Pro Liveaboard, which is based in the Egyptian resort of Hurghada.
The company said it has no information on the matter.
What caused the yacht to sink?
Tuesday 26 November 2024 03:00
Namita Singh
It was not immediately clear what caused the four-deck motor yacht to sink after it departed from the Egyptian coastal town of Marsa Alam on Monday.
The Egyptian Meteorological Authority on Saturday warned about rough weather and large waves, advising against maritime activity for Sunday and Monday on the Red Sea.
Governor of the Red Sea region Amr Hanafi according to those on board, a huge wave hit the vessel and caused it to capsize in about five or seven minutes.
Some passengers were inside the cabins, “which is why they couldn’t get out of the boat”, his statement on Facebook said.
Survivors accommodated in hotel
Tuesday 26 November 2024 16:42
Jabed Ahmed
Survivors of the sunken boat were being accommodated in a hotel in Marsa Alam on Monday, Reuters reported.
Authorites are working with embassies and consulates as they provide assistance and documentation to the survivors.
Technical issue ruled out
Tuesday 26 November 2024 02:00
Alexander Butler
Governor of the Red Sea region Amr Hanafi ruled out that there was a technical defect to the ship, saying that all the required licences had been obtained for The Sea Story.
Yacht was carrying 31 foreigners
Tuesday 26 November 2024 01:00
Alexander Butler
Amr Hanafi, governor of the Red Sea region, said the yacht was carrying 44 people. It has capacity for 48 people, according to its website.
This included 31 foreign nationals from the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Poland, Belgium, Switzerland, Finland, China, Slovakia, Spain and Ireland.
Passengers were stuck inside cabins, governor says
Monday 25 November 2024 23:50
Alexander Butler
Some passengers were stuck inside cabins when the vessel was hit by a large wave and capsized, the Red Sea’s governor said.
Two Britons feared missing in Red Sea
Monday 25 November 2024 23:30
Alexander Butler
Two Britons are reported to be among dozens of people feared missing after a tourist yacht was “hit by a wave” and sank off the coast of Egypt on Monday.
At least 16 people are feared missing despite a massive rescue operation saving 28 people from the vessel, according to the governor of the Red Sea region, Amr Hanafi.
The boat sank off the south of the Egyptian coastal town of Marsa Alam with 31 tourists of various nationalities on board along with 13 crew members.
Four of those on board were British, according to Egyptian officials cited by local media. The BBC has reported two British people are still missing.
Chinese and Polish nationals declared safe
Monday 25 November 2024 23:10
Alexander Butler
The Chinese embassy in Egypt said Monday two of its nationals were “in good health” after being “rescued in the cruise ship sinking accident in the Red Sea”, Chinese state media reported.
Pawel Wronski, the Polish foreign ministry spokesman, said authorities “have information that two of the tourists may have had Polish citizenship”.
“That’s all we know about them. That’s all we can say for now,” he said. The Finnish foreign ministry confirmed one of its nationals is missing.
Pictured: Survivors of capsized vessel
Monday 25 November 2024 22:50
Alexander Butler
Watch: Rescuers help survivors of boat sunk off Red Sea coast as two Britons feared missing
Monday 25 November 2024 22:30
Alexander Butler
What caused the yacht to sink?
Monday 25 November 2024 22:10
Alexander Butler
It was not immediately clear what caused the four-deck motor yacht to sink after it departed from the Egyptian coastal town of Marsa Alam on Monday.
The Egyptian Meteorological Authority on Saturday warned about rough weather and large waves, advising against maritime activity for Sunday and Monday on the Red Sea.
Governor of the Red Sea region Amr Hanafi according to those on board, a huge wave hit the vessel and caused it to capsize in about five or seven minutes
.Some passengers were inside the cabins, “which is why they couldn’t get out of the boat”, his statement on Facebook said.
Pictured: Sea Story vessel
Monday 25 November 2024 21:48
Alexander Butler
The 144-foot two-engine Sea Story vessel was built in 2022 and is registered in Safaga, Egypt, according to the boat’s owner.
Owned by tourist company Dive pro Liveaboard, the boat has space for 36 passengers and 12 crew members including a captain, cooks, waiters and sailors.
At the time it sank, it was carrying 44 people. This included 31 tourists and 13 crew members, according to the Red Sea governornate.
It carried safety jackets in each cabin and two 25-person safety raft