Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — A tourist boat sank off Egypt’s Red Sea coast on Monday, November 25, 2024, leaving three people dead and 13 missing, while 28 passengers were rescued. The incident occurred near Marsa Alam, a coastal city renowned for its diving spots featuring vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
The boat was carrying 45 people, including 31 tourists and 14 crew members, on a multi-day diving expedition. Departing from Port Ghalib near Marsa Alam on Sunday, the yacht was scheduled to arrive in Hurghada by Friday. A distress call was issued at approximately 5:30 a.m. local time on Monday, according to the Red Sea Governorate.
Twenty-eight survivors were rescued with minor injuries, none requiring hospitalization. However, officials believe 16 passengers were trapped inside the vessel when it capsized. Governor Amr Hanafi stated that rescue operations are underway, involving aircraft, navy ships, and teams from Egypt’s armed forces.
Adverse Weather Conditions
The sinking occurred amid rough weather, with wave heights reaching 3-4 meters (10-13 feet) and wind speeds of up to 34 knots. These conditions led the Egyptian Red Sea Ports Authority to suspend maritime traffic on Sunday. A crew member who survived the incident reported that a wave struck the vessel during the night, causing it to overturn.
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However, authorities have yet to confirm the cause of the accident. Governor Hanafi said the vessel had passed its last safety inspection in March 2024 and received a one-year safety certification from the Maritime Safety Authority. No technical issues were reported during the inspection.
Red Sea Tourism
The Red Sea is one of Egypt’s premier tourist destinations, attracting divers and marine enthusiasts worldwide. This tragedy underscores the risks associated with maritime tourism in challenging weather conditions.
According to Reuters, this incident marks the second times boat to sink in the area this year. Previously in June another vessel suffered severe damage from strong waves, though no casualties were reported.
Rescue teams are continuing their efforts to locate the remaining missing passengers as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.
(Raidi/Agung)
