Tragedy off Marsa alam: Rescue efforts continue after ship sinks
Egypt is grappling with the tragic consequences of a tourist ship sinking that occurred on Monday morning, 25th November, near the resort town of Marsa Alam. According to information provided by local authorities, four more people have been rescued, bringing the number of survivors to 32. Unfortunately, among the recovered bodies are fatalities, and the fate of several people remains unknown.
The Governor of the Red Sea Province, Amr Hanafi, stated that among the recently rescued are two tourists from Belgium, one from Switzerland, and an Egyptian. Unfortunately, the nationalities of those whose bodies have been recovered have not yet been disclosed.
"Super Express" reports that the rescue operation is ongoing, with rescuers combing waters over 80 kilometres from the shore in difficult weather conditions.
A total of 44 people were on board the ship—13 crew members and 31 passengers of various nationalities.
Causes of the disaster
As reported by "Super Express," the ship "Sea Story" embarked on a multi-day diving trip on Sunday morning, 24th November, from the port in the town of Port Ghalib. According to initial findings, the vessel capsized and sank within just a few minutes after being struck by high waves.
The tragic accident occurred in an area known for popular diving spots, including beautiful coral reefs that attract tourists from around the world.
Hanafi assured that the ship had a valid safety certificate and underwent its last technical inspection in March of this year, showing no irregularities. Nevertheless, the weather conditions proved to be extremely challenging and likely contributed to the tragedy.
Marsa Alam – a popular diving destination
The disaster occurred near Marsa Alam, a resort on the southern coast of the Red Sea. This region is known for its beautiful coral reefs and rich underwater life, making it one of the most popular destinations for diving enthusiasts worldwide.
Unfortunately, the weather conditions in the area can be treacherous, once again highlighting the risks associated with exploring these waters.
