Ship sinks off Egyptian coast with Brits among dozens of tourists missing

A tragic incident unfolded off the coast of Egypt as dozens of tourists, including British nationals, went missing after a boat, the Sea Story, sank near a popular diving spot called Shaab Sataya, close to the Marsa Alam tourist resort. The vessel was on a five-day diving trip when it encountered an unknown issue causing it to sink. The alarm was raised around 5.30am by a crew member, prompting a rescue operation by the coastguard.

Reports indicate that 45 people were reported missing from the sunken boat, which had departed from Ghalib port in Marsa Alam with 31 tourists of various nationalities and 14 crew members. Efforts involving a helicopter and naval units were mobilised to locate the missing individuals. Authorities, including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Red Sea province governor’s office, have been contacted for further information on the incident.

The search and rescue operation, led by Egypt’s navy, has so far rescued 16 people from the sea, while the remaining passengers are awaiting assistance at the boat’s last-known position. The governor of the Red Sea region, Amr Hanafy, cautioned against visiting the site as search efforts continue. The specifics regarding casualties, injuries, and the nationalities involved are yet to be confirmed.

Liveaboard.com, the company that offers trips on the Sea Story, described the vessel as a 144ft-long liveaboard ship with various amenities for up to 32 passengers. The operator, Diver Pro Liveaboard, acknowledged the unfolding situation but refrained from providing additional details. An ongoing search for the missing tourists continues with air and naval units combing the area for survivors.

In summary, the maritime tragedy off the Egyptian coast has left a sombre atmosphere as rescue operations strive to locate missing tourists, including British individuals. The harrowing ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of adventure travel and the importance of safety measures in such excursions.