Tourist boat disaster in Red Sea leaves authorities searching for missing people
A diving-trip boat sank near Egyptian reef after being hit by massive waves leaving multiple casualties. Search teams found some survivors but several people remain unfound in the cold waters
The Sea Story tourist boat sank yesterday near Sataya Reef when huge waves struck the diving-trip vessel; causing it to go underwater in less than 7 mins
The accident happened during rough sea conditions (with 3-4 meter high waves) and rescue teams managed to save 31 people including two Belgian tourists and an Egyptian national. Four bodies were found today but nine people are still missing at sea: the search continues
The 34-meter-long boat which belonged to an Egyptian owner had its safety check in Mar-24; no issues were found that time. The Maritime Safety Authority gave it a one-year safety permit‚ however strong winds reaching 34 knots made sea conditions very dangerous
The survivors (who got minor injuries) are now staying at a Marsa Alam hotel where embassy staff helps with papers and support. The Red Sea Ports Authority closed water routes on Sun due to bad weather - this was the areas second boat incident since Jun
The Red Sea with its pretty reefs and sea-life brings lots of tourists to Egypt making it super-important for the countrys money-making tourism business (which helps keep the economy going)
