A tragic incident occurred in the Red Sea where a tourist yacht, the Sea Story, capsized near Marsa Alam, Egypt, leaving more than a dozen people missing. The vessel, carrying 31 tourists and 14 crew members, sank early on the morning of Monday, November 25.
A distress signal was sent around 5:30 a.m. local time, prompting a large-scale rescue operation. Reports indicate that so far, 28 people have been rescued, but 17 individuals remain unaccounted for. Efforts are ongoing to locate those missing as the circumstances surrounding the sinking remain unclear.
The passengers onboard the Sea Story represented a diverse group, with nationalities from countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and China. All 14 crew members were Egyptians.
The yacht had departed from Porto Ghalib in Marsa Alam on Sunday, November 24, and was en route to Hurghada Marina, with its journey expected to last until Friday, November 29. The incident has drawn significant concern given the yacht’s modern design and safety features, including life jackets and emergency rafts capable of holding up to 50 people.
Tourist Yacht Capsizes in Red Sea Near Marsa Alam Leaving Dozens Missing and Search Ongoing
Meteorological warnings may have played a role in the tragedy. The Egyptian Meteorological Authority issued alerts on November 23 about high waves expected in the Red Sea for Sunday and Monday. Despite these warnings, the Sea Story proceeded with its voyage. Regional tensions have also impacted the area, with some tourist companies suspending operations due to conflicts, raising questions about the decision to continue the journey in adverse conditions.
The Sea Story, built in 2022 and registered in Safaga, Egypt, was a four-deck vessel touted for its safety features. Its maker, Dive Pro Liveaboard, highlighted the availability of life jackets in each cabin and the presence of two safety rafts. However, the boatmaker has not commented on the incident, leaving many to question whether these safety measures were sufficient or properly utilized during the emergency.
This tragedy underscores the risks involved in maritime travel, particularly in regions prone to challenging weather conditions. As the search for the missing passengers continues, authorities will likely examine the yacht’s safety protocols, adherence to meteorological warnings, and the overall circumstances leading to the disaster. For now, families of the missing and survivors await answers and assistance.
