Sixteen people are missing, including two Britons, after the Sea Story, a tourist boat on a diving expedition, capsized and sank in the Red Sea.
Egyptian authorities confirmed that 28 individuals had been rescued following the accident early Monday morning.
The vessel, carrying 44 people - including 13 crew members - issued a distress signal at 5:30 am local time (03:30 GMT), according to Red Sea Governor Maj-Gen Amr Hanafi.
Survivors reported that a large wave struck the boat during turbulent weather, causing it to capsize within minutes.
The Sea Story, which departed Marsa Alam on Sunday for a five-day diving trip, sank near Wadi el-Gemal, south of Marsa Alam. Rescue teams, supported by the Egyptian Navy warship El Fateh and military aircraft, continue to search for the missing.
Hanafi said the survivors were receiving the necessary medical care.
Among the missing are four Egyptians, while Finland confirmed that one of its nationals is unaccounted for.
The BBC reported two Britons among the missing, while Polish authorities believe two of their citizens may have been on board. The Chinese embassy stated that two of its nationals had been rescued and were unharmed.
The boat’s passengers reportedly included five Spaniards, four Britons, four Germans, and two Americans. Details regarding the rescued and missing passengers remain unclear.
Weather conditions were cited as a potential factor in the sinking. The Egyptian Meteorological Authority had issued warnings of high winds and rough seas, with wave heights reaching 10 to 13 feet (3 to 4 metres). Marine activities were advised against on Sunday and Monday.
The Sea Story, built in 2022 and certified for a one-year maritime safety licence in March 2024, was described as a modern 44-metre vessel with four decks and 18 cabins. Governor Hanafi confirmed there were no technical issues with the boat, stating that the capsizing occurred swiftly after being hit by a wave.
This tragedy follows a similar incident last year in Marsa Alam, when three British tourists died after their dive boat caught fire. The Red Sea region, renowned for its coral reefs and diving spots, is a key destination for tourists visiting Egypt.
Rescue operations are ongoing as officials work to determine the fate of the missing passengers. The boat’s owner, Dive Pro Liveaboard, has not issued a statement regarding the incident.