A tourist yacht capsized and sank in the Red Sea, leaving at least 16 people missing. This occurred after the meteorological department had issued warnings about rough sea conditions, highlighting the potential dangers of maritime activities.
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03-12, 2025Red Sea Governor Amr Hanafi stated that rescuers saved 28 people south of the coastal town of Marsa Alam, with some being airlifted for medical treatment. Hanafi inspected the site where the yacht sank, emphasizing the government's commitment to the rescue efforts. According to the latest update posted by the Red Sea Governorate on Facebook, the yacht carried a total of 44 people, including 13 Egyptians and 31 foreign nationals from the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Poland, Belgium, Switzerland, Finland, China, Slovakia, Spain, and Ireland.
The governor confirmed that rescuers are still searching for the missing, including 4 Egyptians and 12 foreigners, demonstrating the ongoing commitment to finding all those unaccounted for. The survivors sustained only minor abrasions, are in good condition, and have been accommodated in a hotel in Marsa Alam. According to official sources, the yacht, named "Ocean Story," had no technical issues, had obtained all necessary permits before departure, and underwent its latest maritime safety inspection in March, confirming its compliance with safety standards.
Preliminary reports indicate that, according to statements from the yacht's crew and tourists, a massive wave struck the yacht, causing it to capsize. At the time of the incident, some passengers were inside the cabins, and the entire event unfolded within minutes. The British Foreign Office stated that it is providing consular assistance to "a number of British citizens and their families." The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs also informed the Associated Press via email that it is "aware of the incident and is providing consular assistance," without disclosing further details, reflecting the international response to the tragedy.
The Spanish Foreign Ministry stated that no Spanish citizens have been identified among the missing. The ministry indicated that five Spanish citizens were rescued and are currently out of danger, ensuring their safety and well-being. The provincial government received a report shortly before dawn on Monday that the yacht had issued a distress signal, as it had departed from Marsa Alam for a planned five-day voyage, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
The cause of the sinking of the four-story wooden motor yacht remains unclear. However, the Egyptian Meteorological Authority had warned last Saturday of turbulence and large waves in the Red Sea, advising against maritime activities on Sunday and Monday. According to the Meteorological Authority, wind speeds were between 60 and 70 kilometers per hour, with wave heights between 3 and 4 meters, highlighting the severe weather conditions at the time.
A company called Dive Pro Liveaboard, which operates the yacht in Hurghada, Egypt, had a person answering the phone tell the Associated Press that they had "no information" before hanging up, revealing a lack of immediate transparency from the operator. According to its website, the "Ocean Story" was built in 2022 and can accommodate 36 passengers. The Egyptian military is coordinating rescue operations with the provincial government. Many tourism companies have halted or limited travel in the Red Sea due to the dangers posed by regional conflicts, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
