Tourist Boat Capsizes Off Marsa Alam: 28 Rescued, 16 Missing

Tourist Boat Sinks off Egypt’s Red Sea Coast

A tourist boat named Marsa Alam“>Sea Story capsized near Marsa Alam, Egypt, leaving 16 people missing. The vessel, carrying 44 individuals, included 31 tourists and 13 crew members on a diving trip. The local government reported the boat sank quickly, likely due to a large wave, in just 5 to 7 minutes.

Rescue efforts saved 28 people, who sustained only minor injuries, such as bruises. Red Sea Governor Amr Hanafi disclosed that many passengers were in their cabins when the wave hit, preventing their escape.

At the time of its departure, the boat was expected to return to Hurghada Marina on November 29. A distress call was received at 5:30 a.m., shortly after the boat left Port Ghalib the previous day. Wave heights in the Red Sea were forecasted to be between 3 to 4 meters.

The passengers included nationals from various countries, such as the United States, Belgium, and Germany. Efforts to find missing individuals continue in coordination with the Egyptian navy and army.

This incident follows previous events in the region that have raised concerns about safety. The Red Sea remains a popular destination for diving, known for its coral reefs and marine life, which are vital to Egypt’s tourism industry.