Sixteen missing after tour boat capsizes off Egypt's Red Sea coast
- A tour boat, Sea Story, capsized off the coast of Egypt during a diving expedition, resulting in significant casualties.
- The boat lost contact following a distress call, prompting extensive search efforts for the missing.
- Survivors reported that rough sea conditions may have contributed to the incident, raising safety concerns about diving expeditions in the area.
On November 25, 2024, a tour boat named Sea Story capsized and sank while on a five-day diving expedition off the coast of Egypt's Red Sea, leading to the disappearance of sixteen individuals. The vessel, which had 44 people on board, including tourists from various countries and a crew of 13 Egyptians, issued a distress call early in the morning before losing contact. The boat had departed from Marsa Alam, a well-known destination for diving, just a day prior, amidst warnings from the Egyptian Meteorological Authority about rough seas and large waves. Preliminary reports indicate that a significant wave struck the boat in the night hours, causing it to overturn rapidly, with survivors describing the situation as unfolding within minutes. Of the passengers, 28 were rescued, while search operations for the missing individuals involved both the Egyptian Navy and military aircraft. Among the reported missing are nationals from several countries, raising concerns among families and foreign officials, who are providing assistance and updates regarding their citizens' safety.