At least 16 people are reported missing after a yacht with international tourists sank in the Red Sea on Monday. The vessel, named Sea Story, was carrying 44 people, including 31 tourists and 13 crew members, when it went down near Marsa Alam, a popular resort area in southeastern Egypt. The yacht was on a multi-day diving excursion.
According to Al-Dostor, an Egyptian news outlet, there were two American tourists on board, but it’s not yet known if they are among the missing. Authorities received reports about the incident around 5:30 AM and quickly mobilized search and rescue teams. The Red Sea Governorate shared on Facebook that helicopters and marine units were dispatched from Bernice Harbor to assist in finding survivors.
As the search continues, Egyptian officials have confirmed that 28 people have been rescued. Fortunately, those rescued reported only minor injuries, and no one has been hospitalized.
The group of missing persons includes 12 foreign nationals, with those on board being from several countries, including the U.S., Belgium, Spain, Germany, and others. While the exact cause of the sinking is still under investigation, officials believe that a large wave may have led to the incident, causing the vessel to capsize in a matter of minutes. Governor Amr Hanafi noted that some passengers were in their cabins, making it difficult for them to escape.
Authorities are working diligently to gather more information and provide updates, but at this time, no further details have been released.
