Quseir, Egypt – In response to the recent cargo ship grounding in Quseir, the Ministry of Environment has intensified efforts to address the environmental crisis, which has caused diesel spills and significant damage to coral reefs.
On November 25, 2024, the Ministry announced that a cargo ship had run aground in the area, spilling diesel into the surrounding waters and affecting the local marine ecosystem. In a statement released on Monday, Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad confirmed that a multi-agency committee, in collaboration with naval forces, the Red Sea Reserves team, the Environmental Affairs Agency, the General Petroleum Authority, and PetroSafe Company, has been working tirelessly to mitigate the environmental impact and safeguard local tourist areas.
Despite numerous efforts to prevent the ship from sinking, poor weather conditions and severe damage to the ship’s hull led to its eventual sinking. Minister Fouad explained that the vessel tilted onto its right side and sustained multiple cracks, making repairs impossible under the challenging conditions.
The ship’s crew members have been safely disembarked and handed over to authorities for investigation, as naval forces continue to monitor the situation. To prevent further environmental damage, Fouad has ordered heightened readiness levels, with additional teams deployed to monitor the sinking’s impact and prevent the spread of pollutants.
Efforts are focused on ensuring that oil does not reach the shore, with absorbent barriers being deployed to protect the marine environment. The Ministry is also coordinating with local authorities and the Crisis and Disaster Management Department to prevent debris from reaching nearby beaches or tourist areas.
In addition to these immediate measures, Minister Fouad announced the launch of an ecosystem restoration program for the Red Sea and South Sinai, which will begin in the Quseir area. The program, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Egypt, will focus on environmental monitoring, recovery assessments, and rehabilitation efforts aimed at restoring the marine ecosystem to its natural balance.
