What Happened to the Egypt Tourist Boat in the Red Sea?
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Salma Hossein - . November 28, 2024
- . Update: November 28, 2024 8:19 pm
Tragedy struck the Red Sea on Monday, November 25, when the dive boat Sea Story capsized after being hit by a massive wave. The incident, which occurred off the coast of Marsa Alam, Egypt, has left two Britons among the missing. In a swift and dramatic rescue operation, 28 of the 44 people onboard were saved before the vessel sank, as confirmed by Red Sea governor Amr Hanafi. The search for the missing individuals continues amid questions about the circumstances leading to the disaster.
What Was the Sea Story?
The Sea Story was a modern liveaboard diving boat, widely regarded as a comfortable and adventurous option for exploring the Red Sea’s underwater treasures. Operated by Dive Pro Liveaboard, a Hurghada-based diving operator, the vessel was launched in 2022 and boasted state-of-the-art facilities designed to cater to divers.
Equipped with 16 double cabins, it could accommodate up to 32 passengers, with a 13-member crew handling both maritime and hospitality operations. Liveaboard trips on the Sea Story typically cost €1,220 (just over £1,000) per person for a week-long itinerary. Guests enjoyed three to four dives daily at some of the world’s most celebrated dive sites, featuring vibrant coral reefs, sunken wrecks, and diverse marine life.
Events Leading to the Tragedy
On Saturday, November 23, Egypt’s Meteorological Authority issued warnings about severe weather conditions in the Red Sea region, forecasting winds of up to 40 mph and waves reaching 12 feet. Maritime activities were strongly discouraged for the following days.
Despite the adverse forecast, the Sea Story set sail from Port Ghalib, near the resort town of Marsa Alam, on Sunday for a scheduled five-day diving trip. The voyage carried 31 divers, many of them tourists, along with the 13 crew members.
By early Monday morning, the boat was caught in treacherous conditions and struck by a massive wave, causing it to capsize. Survivors reported that the crew managed to send out a distress signal before the vessel sank. Rescue teams responded promptly, saving 28 passengers and crew, but 16 individuals remain unaccounted for, including two Britons.
Safety Standards Under Scrutiny
The incident has reignited concerns about safety standards in Egypt’s maritime industry, particularly in the Red Sea, a globally renowned destination for divers.
While Egypt is not typically known for maritime dangers, its waters can become perilous during sudden storms. The Foreign Office has previously flagged risks associated with maritime travel in the region, citing overcrowding, aging vessels, and inconsistent safety measures as contributing factors.
The Sea Story had reportedly passed a safety inspection as recently as March 2024, raising questions about the adequacy of such checks. Although the vessel was relatively new and equipped with modern facilities, the decision to sail despite severe weather warnings has been criticized.
The Red Sea’s History of Maritime Disasters
While the Red Sea remains a popular destination for tourists, it has seen its share of maritime tragedies. The worst disaster occurred in 2006, when a ferry traveling from Duba, Saudi Arabia, to Safaga, Egypt, sank after a fire broke out onboard. The incident claimed around 1,000 lives, with bad weather exacerbating the death toll.
More recently, in June 2023, another dive boat tragedy occurred in the same region. A fire aboard the Hurricane claimed the lives of three British tourists. The incident highlighted ongoing safety concerns, including equipment malfunctions and inadequate emergency protocols.
These incidents serve as stark reminders of the risks associated with maritime travel in regions where safety regulations may not always align with international standards.
Broader Implications for Tourists
The loss of the Sea Story underscores the need for heightened vigilance when planning adventure trips in Egypt. While the Red Sea’s allure as a diving destination is undeniable, travelers must be aware of potential risks and take steps to ensure their safety.
Recommendations for Tourists:
- Book with reputable operators: Choose established tour providers known for adhering to international safety standards.
- Monitor weather updates: Always check local weather forecasts and heed warnings before embarking on maritime activities.
- Verify vessel certifications: Ensure that the boat you are traveling on has passed recent and thorough safety inspections.
- Consider travel insurance: Comprehensive coverage that includes maritime risks can provide peace of mind.
- Opt for packaged tours: Booking through UK-based operators often includes stricter safety oversight and support in case of emergencies.
A Broader Call for Reform
The Sea Story tragedy has sparked calls for stricter enforcement of safety protocols within Egypt’s maritime tourism industry. Improved weather forecasting, mandatory adherence to warnings, and enhanced safety training for crews are among the measures being discussed. Additionally, there is a need for more robust international collaboration to ensure safety standards are consistently met in regions frequented by global tourists.
Final Thoughts
The disappearance of two Britons and the capsizing of the Sea Story mark another tragic chapter in the history of Red Sea maritime travel. While the search for the missing continues, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the risks associated with adventure tourism in regions where nature can be unpredictable, and safety measures may fall short.
As the families of the missing await news, the tragedy highlights the urgent need for enhanced safety measures to protect both travelers and crew members. For now, the focus remains on rescue efforts and ensuring that such a disaster does not happen again.
