Three bodies were recovered from a tourist boat that capsized off Egypt’s Red Sea coast on Monday. The boat, carrying 31 tourists and 13 crew members on a diving trip, sank in just 5-7 minutes after being struck by high waves near the Sataya Reef. Rescue teams are still searching for 13 missing people, while 28 survivors were rescued with minor injuries and are being accommodated in a hotel in Marsa Alam.
The boat had passed its safety inspection in March 2024 with no reported technical issues, and was owned by an Egyptian national. The incident occurred during rough weather conditions, with wave heights of 10-13 feet and wind speeds of 34 knots reported in the area on Sunday. This was the second boat to sink in the area this year due to severe weather conditions.
The Red Sea is well-known for its coral reefs and marine life, making it a major destination for tourists and a key hub for Egypt’s tourism industry. The industry plays a critical role in the country’s economy, and authorities are working with embassies and consulates to provide assistance and documentation to the survivors of the capsized boat.
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