Seventeen people, including foreign nationals, are missing after a tourist yacht capsized off Egypt’s Red Sea coast on Monday.
The “Sea Story” sent out a distress call early Monday at 5:30 a.m. local time, according to a statement from the Red Sea governorate. Rescuers saved 28 individuals, including crew members and tourists from Britain, China, Finland, Poland, and Spain.
The yacht had embarked on a multi-day diving excursion from Port Ghalib near Marsa Alam on Sunday and was due to dock in Hurghada on Friday.
Governor Amr Hanafi stated that survivors were rescued using aircraft and a warship, with intensive search efforts continuing in coordination with the navy and armed forces.
China’s embassy confirmed two of its nationals were rescued unharmed. Finland and Poland reported that one and two of their citizens, respectively, remain unaccounted for.
A crew member reportedly told local rescuers that a wave hit the vessel during the night, causing it to capsize. Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the accident.
The Red Sea coast is a hub for diving tourism, attracting millions annually to its vibrant coral reefs and islands. Despite stringent safety regulations, incidents occasionally occur.
Local authorities closed Hurghada’s port and suspended marine activities on Sunday due to bad weather, but conditions around Marsa Alam were reportedly stable until late that night.