Egyptian media reported at noon on Monday that a tourist ship sank in the Red Sea, off the coast of Marsa Alam, and that 17 people on board were missing. According to sources who spoke to the Reuters news agency, 28 have so far been rescued alive, and the search and rescue operation is ongoing.
The boat, Sea Story, was carrying 45 people, including 31 tourists of varying nationalities and 14 crew, on a multi-day diving trip when it went down, according to a statement by the Red Sea Governorate.
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The Sea Story, was carrying 45 people, including 31 tourists of varying nationalities and 14 crew
The ship sailed Sunday from Porto Ghalib in Marsa Alam on Sunday, with plans to return to Hurghada Marina on Nov. 29. However, Monday morning at around 5:30 the ship's crew sent a distress signal when it was nearing the tourist town of Marsa Alam, and then it disappeared from the radar and contact with it was lost.
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According to official data, the Sea Story is a cruise ship built in 2022 and can carry up to 32 passengers. At the time of the current voyage, there were 31 tourists and 14 crew members on board. The ship has 18 double cabins, and its main purpose is to go on diving trips to reefs in the Red Sea and to see the site of old boat wrecks.
The Red Sea is a popular diving destination renowned for its coral reefs and marine life, key to Egypt's vital tourism industry.