Egyptian authorities have rescued five more survivors after a tourist yacht capsized off Marsa Alam in the Red Sea. The rescue brings the total number of survivors to 33, while seven passengers remain missing, officials said Tuesday.
The Sea Story, a luxury live-aboard vessel carrying 44 passengers from 12 countries, sank Monday after rough waves overwhelmed it. Survivors reported the yacht overturned within minutes, trapping some passengers in their cabins.
“We are grateful for the rescue of five more people today, but the loss of lives remains deeply tragic,” said Red Sea Governor Amr Hanafy. The five survivors included two Belgians, one Egyptian, a Swiss citizen, and a Finnish national, Hanafy confirmed. Four bodies have also been recovered, but their identities are yet to be verified.
The passengers included 13 Egyptians and 31 foreign nationals from countries such as the U.S., Germany, and Poland. German officials confirmed three of their citizens remain unaccounted for, while Poland’s Foreign Ministry stated two of its nationals are among the missing.
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The yacht left Port Ghalib on Sunday for a five-day excursion to Hurghada, but disaster struck 46 nautical miles into the journey. The vessel had cleared all safety checks and permits, according to its operator, Dive Pro Liveaboard. Built in 2022, the Sea Story was designed to host up to 36 passengers for extended maritime adventures.
Despite these precautions, authorities revealed the Egyptian Meteorological Authority had warned against naval activities due to turbulent weather conditions. “The sea was unpredictable, with waves reaching dangerous heights,” a survivor recounted.
Marsa Alam, famed for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, attracts divers from around the globe. However, its challenging currents require advanced diving skills, making it a destination both thrilling and risky.
Egypt’s military continues to coordinate the search, using naval and aerial resources to scour the area for the missing. Families of those still unaccounted for are being informed, and the rescue mission remains active.
“This tragedy reminds us of the untamed beauty and dangers of the sea,” Hanafy said.
