Sixteen people, including 12 foreign nationals, are missing after a tourist boat sank off Egypt’s Red Sea coast near Marsa Alam, officials announced on Monday. The vessel, Sea Story, was carrying 44 individuals—31 tourists and 13 crew members—on a multi-day diving expedition.
Authorities confirmed 28 people were rescued, all sustaining minor injuries that required no hospital treatment. Preliminary reports suggest a sudden large wave capsized the boat within minutes.
Governor Amr Hanafi revealed that some passengers were unable to escape due to being in their cabins when the incident occurred. The boat had departed from Porto Ghalib on Sunday and was scheduled to return to Hurghada Marina later this week.
Rescue operations involved Egyptian naval forces and aircraft, but the search for the missing was paused at nightfall. Efforts are expected to resume with the support of embassies and consulates, assisting survivors who are currently housed in a Marsa Alam hotel.
The vessel, owned by an Egyptian national, included passengers from several countries, such as the United States, Belgium, China, Germany, and Spain. The boat was last inspected in March 2024, and no faults were reported.
This marks the second sinking in the area this year. In June, another boat suffered severe damage from rough waves, although no casualties were reported. The Red Sea remains a popular destination for diving enthusiasts and a key pillar of Egypt’s tourism industry.
