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16 Missing After Tourist Boat Capsizes Off Red Sea

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The Tragic Incident: Tourist Boat Capsizes off Red Sea Coast

Sixteen people, including 12 foreign nationals, are missing after a tourist boat sank off Egypt’s Red Sea coast, the local government confirmed on Monday.
The Sea Story was carrying 44 individuals, including 31 tourists and 13 crew members, on a multi-day diving trip when it tragically went down near the town of Marsa Alam, as reported by the Red Sea Governorate. This incident led to the revision of an earlier report that mentioned 14 Egyptian crew members aboard the vessel.

Out of the 44 people on board, twenty-eight were rescued with only minor injuries such as bruises and scrapes, with none requiring hospitalization, according to official statements.

The Red Sea is renowned for its coral reefs and marine life, making it a popular diving destination and a crucial part of Egypt’s tourism industry. Source: AAP




Red Sea Governor Amr Hanafi mentioned that preliminary reports indicated a sudden large wave struck the boat, causing it to capsize within 5 to 7 minutes.

“Some passengers were in their cabins, which is why they were unable to escape,” he added in the official statement.

The governorate stated that a distress call was received at 5:30 am local time from the boat, which had set sail from Porto Ghalib in Marsa Alam on Sunday with plans to return to Hurghada Marina on 29 November.
Egyptian armed forces deployed frigates and aircraft to search for the missing individuals, but by 5 pm, the search had to be paused for the night, according to a government source speaking to Reuters on Monday.

The foreign nationals aboard the 34-meter-long vessel, owned by an Egyptian national, included passengers from various countries such as America, Belgium, Britain, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, and Switzerland.

Amidst this tragic event, Hanafi assured that Egypt is working closely with embassies, consulates, and relevant authorities to assist the rescued passengers. Currently, they are being accommodated at a hotel in Marsa Alam, where their needs are being attended to.

The Egyptian Red Sea Ports Authority also announced the closure of maritime traffic in the area on Sunday afternoon due to high wind speeds of 34 knots and wave heights of 3 to 4 meters.

Expert Insights on Maritime Safety

  • Maritime experts emphasize the importance of regular safety drills and equipment checks to prevent such tragic incidents at sea.

  • Proper training of crew members and passengers on emergency procedures is vital for ensuring swift and effective responses during emergencies.

Recent Data on Maritime Accidents

According to the International Maritime Organization, there has been a slight increase in maritime accidents globally in recent years, highlighting the need for stricter safety measures and regulations.

FAQs

  • What caused the tourist boat to capsize?

  • How are the authorities assisting the rescued passengers?

  • What steps are being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future?

Overall, this tragic incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in maritime activities and the importance of prioritizing safety measures to protect passengers and crew members at sea.

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