Egyptian authorities reported, on Monday, that at least 17 individuals remain unaccounted for after a tourist boat capsized in the Red Sea, following advisories regarding turbulent seas.
Amr Hanafy, the governor of the Red Sea region, stated that rescue teams successfully saved 28 people from the vessel, located south of the coastal town of Marsa Alam.
Some of the rescued passengers were airlifted for medical care. Hanafy revealed that the yacht had 31 tourists of various nationalities and 14 crew members aboard.
The United Kingdom’s Foreign Office confirmed it was offering consular assistance to “a number of British nationals and their families” affected by the incident, with reports suggesting that British citizens might be among those missing.
Authorities received a distress signal from the vessel just before dawn on Monday. The yacht had departed Marsa Alam on a five-day voyage.
The exact cause of the sinking of the four-deck, wooden-hulled motor yacht remains unclear. However, the Egyptian Meteorological Authority issued warnings on Saturday about rough conditions and elevated waves in the Red Sea, advising against maritime activities on Sunday and Monday.
A representative answering the phone at Dive Pro Liveaboard, the Hurghada-based operator of the yacht, offered no comment, stating they had “no information” before abruptly ending the call. According to the company’s website, the yacht, named Sea Story, was constructed in 2022 and had a capacity of 36 passengers.
Rescue efforts are being led by the Egyptian military in collaboration with local authorities. Meanwhile, many tour operators have reduced or suspended Red Sea excursions, citing risks associated with ongoing regional conflicts.
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