The Sea Story vessel capsized on Monday while 44 people were onboard with Brits being among those at the time of its sinking – rescue efforts have continued following the disaster
Rescuers continue to search for several missing people after a large wave hit the Sea Story tourist boat causing it to capsize in the Red Sea.
Egyptian officials launched a rescue operation after the vessel capsized on Monday with 44 people on board, 31 of whom were tourists and 13 being crew members. Today, Amr Hanafi, the Governor of the Red Sea region, announced that two Belgians, a Swiss national, a Finnish national and an Egyptian had been found alive.
Rescuers have been able to save 37 people following the disaster but others remain missing. It has been reported that two people among the missing are British nationals.
As of Tuesday afternoon, four bodies have been recovered. Mr Halfi added in a Facebook statement: “Survivors are being provided with necessary medical care.”
Timeline of events
Saturday November 23
The Egyptian Meteorological Authority forecast 40mph winds and 12-foot waves in the Red Sea. It also advised against maritime activity for both Sunday and Monday.
Sunday November 24
The vessel Sea story leaves Port Ghalib for a five-day trip and was due back at Hurghada Marina on November 29.
Monday 3:30am UK time November 25
Sea Story crew send out a distress signal to the Red Sea Governorate Control Centre. There are 44 people on board of which 13 are crew members.
Monday 8:07am UK time
“Intense efforts to search for missing people” is launched by the Red Sea governor. Officials suggest that high waves hit the boat and caused it to capsize.
Monday 11:28am UK time
Egyptian officials said that 28 people had been rescued. Two Brits are said to be among the missing.
Monday 3:02pm UK time
The Foreign Office said it it is providing consular support to “a number of British nationals and their families” amid reports four Britons are missing after a tourist yacht sank in the Red Sea off Egypt.
Tuesday 12:01pm UK time November 26
Mr Hanafi said three people had been found alive and that four bodies had been recovered. Nine people remain missing.
Tuesday 12:17pm UK time
The Irish national who was on board a tourist yacht that sank in the Red Sea off Egypt is “OK”, Foreign Affairs minister Micheal Martin has said.
Mr Martin provided the update to reporters in Dublin on Tuesday morning. “My understanding is that Irish citizen is OK and receiving consular assistance from the Department of Foreign Affairs,” he said.
Tuesday 1:22pm UK time
Mr Hanafi announced that a Swiss national had been found alive.
Sea Story
According to liveaboard.com, who book spaces on Sea Story, the vessel was built in 2022 and is a 144ft-long liveaboard ship that sails around the Red Sea. It’s was said to be able to accommodate some 32 passengers. It includes a fully-equipped restaurant, honeymoon suites, TV and sound system.
The Red Sea is a popular tourist destination for diving and other marine enthusiasts. Many tourist companies have either stopped or limited visits to the region due to conflicts.
