A tragic incident unfolded off Egypt’s Red Sea coast on Monday when the tourist yacht Sea Story sank near Marsa Alam, south of Cairo. The disaster left 17 individuals missing, prompting a large-scale rescue operation. Egyptian authorities confirmed that 28 passengers were rescued, with some requiring airlifting for urgent medical care. The yacht, a four-deck, wooden-hulled motor vessel, had set off from Marsa Alam for a scheduled five-day trip. The total number of people onboard included 31 tourists from different countries and 14 crew members.
The distress signal was received just before dawn, leading to a swift and coordinated response. The Egyptian military, along with the Red Sea governorate, quickly mobilized to carry out the rescue efforts. Governor Amr Hanafy commended the efficient operations that resulted in saving the 28 survivors. According to Dive Pro Liveaboard’s website, the Sea Story was a relatively new boat, built in 2022 and designed to accommodate 36 passengers. However, the exact cause of the sinking remains under investigation.
Further complicating the tragedy, the Egyptian Meteorological Authority had issued warnings over the weekend regarding dangerous weather conditions and high waves in the Red Sea. These alerts explicitly advised against maritime activities for Sunday and Monday, leading to questions about whether the yacht’s operators ignored or were unaware of the critical warnings. The company behind the Sea Story, Dive Pro Liveaboard, based in Hurghada, has yet to release a formal statement, fueling concerns about safety protocols and weather compliance.
The incident highlights the growing challenges in Egypt’s tourism sector, as many companies have scaled back or suspended Red Sea excursions due to security concerns and regional instability. The sinking of the Sea Story serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks in maritime tourism, underscoring the urgent need for stricter safety regulations and adherence to weather advisories. Ongoing search and rescue operations continue to focus on locating the 17 missing individuals, with hopes of their safe return.
