Egyptian authorities are currently undertaking rescue operations following a distressing incident involving a tourist boat, Sea Story, that sank off the Red Sea coast. Carrying 45 individuals, including 31 tourists from various nationalities and 14 crew members, the boat capsized near Marsa Alam, demanding immediate action from local security forces.
Rescue Operations Underway
As of Monday, 16 individuals have been rescued. Rescue efforts have involved helicopters, deploying local security forces in collaboration with the Egyptian navy and army to locate any additional survivors. The tragic incident unfolded shortly after the boat had set sail from Porto Ghalib on Sunday, with plans to return to Hurghada Marina on 29 November 2024.
Preliminary Investigations
- The boat had successfully passed its latest safety inspection in March 2024 without any reported technical issues.
- Initial reports suggest the vessel might have capsized due to a rogue wave that struck in the night, displacing it significantly.
According to the Red Sea Governorate, a distress signal was received at 5:30 a.m. (0330 GMT), initiating search and rescue operations. However, a diving resort manager indicated that as time passes, the chances of finding more survivors decrease, highlighting the harsh reality of being submerged for over 12 hours.
Impact on Egypt’s Tourism Sector
The Red Sea is renowned for its stunning coral reefs and vibrant marine life, making it a pivotal component of Egypt’s tourism sector. This industry not only employs approximately two million people but also contributes over 10 per cent to the nation’s GDP. However, recent events, including two similar boat accidents earlier in the year without fatalities, raise concerns about safety measures in place.
Marine activities, including those departing from nearby Hurghada, have been temporarily suspended due to adverse weather conditions, adding another layer of difficulty to the ongoing rescue operations.
As rescue teams continue their search, authorities remain vigilant regarding maritime safety regulations, which, while often robust, can be unevenly enforced. The tragic fate of the Sea Story serves as a sobering reminder of the potential risks associated with marine tourism.