A tourist boat, Sea Story, sank this morning off the coast of Marsa Alam, Egypt, near the Shaab Satayah coral reef, a popular spot for diving trips. The vessel, carrying 31 tourists from various countries and 14 crew members, had been on a diving excursion when it went down.
According to security sources, 16 people have been rescued so far, and search operations are ongoing to locate the remaining passengers and crew. The distress signal from the boat was sent out at 5:30 AM local time, but contact was lost shortly afterward.
The Sea Story departed from the port of Ghalib on November 24 and was scheduled to arrive at Hurghada Marina on November 29. Egyptian authorities confirmed that several survivors were found in the Wadi el-Gemal area, south of Marsa Alam, and were airlifted to receive medical care.
Red Sea governor Amr Hanafy has not disclosed how many are still missing as rescue teams continue to search the area. The cause of the incident remains under investigation.
