Divers reveal alarming safety issues on tourist boat in Red Sea

In recent events in the Red Sea, qualified divers have raised concerns about safety standards on the Sea Pearl, a tourist boat owned by the same company linked to a recent maritime disaster. The incident occurred just days before a tragic sinking of a vessel, highlighting potential safety protocol failures in the region. Diver Timothy described a series of alarming safety breaches, noting a lack of life jackets and absence of safety drills for emergency procedures. He emphasized that some passengers were not adequately informed about how to use life rafts or even how to open the emergency escape hatch. Meanwhile, another diver, known as James, echoed similar frustrations regarding the inadequate emphasis on safety by the boat's operator, Dive Pro Liveaboard, leaving guests feeling vulnerable. The divers recounted how the crew downplayed safety concerns, stating that there was an ample supply of life jackets available in crew quarters, which stood in stark contrast to the perilous situation created by the absence of basic safety provisions. There were no systematic communications or instructions given on board to address emergencies, resulting in fears about how prepared passengers would be to respond to dangers. This neglect not only posed risks to the divers' safety but raised broader questions about marine safety protocols within the diving industry in the Red Sea area. The lack of an emergency plan or any formal drills onboard the Sea Pearl is particularly alarming following the vessel's sinking incident, which exemplified the desperate need for stringent safety measures in the tourism industry. Reports suggest that these corner-cutting practices are common throughout the diving industry in the region, suggesting a systemic issue that could threaten the lives of tourists. The safety complacency exhibited by Dive Pro mirrors broader trends in the sector that favor operational efficiency over passenger safety. Consequently, the industry may need substantial reforms to ensure that such incidents are mitigated in the future and that tourists feel secure during their adventures. As calls for accountability arise from divers, the company has thus far remained silent regarding these serious allegations. The diver community is hoping to see changes implemented that prioritize safety, and further investigation into the incidents may prompt the necessary scrutiny needed to address these glaring risks in diving operations in the Red Sea. This event serves as a wake-up call for not just Dive Pro Liveaboard, but for other operators in the region, signaling the need for serious reassessment of safety protocols to protect both staff and guests.