Rescuers have recovered four bodies and four survivors after a diving boat capsized off Egypt’s eastern coast, Red Sea Governor Amr Hanafi announced on Tuesday. The incident occurred on Monday when a large wave hit the vessel near Marsa Alam in southeastern Egypt, causing it to overturn.
Among the survivors were two Belgians, one Swiss national, and one Egyptian, bringing the total number of survivors from the vessel to 32. The identities of the four deceased have not yet been released. Rescue operations are ongoing, with eight people still missing.
“Rescue operations are ongoing today, supported by a military helicopter and a frigate, in addition to multiple divers,” Governor Hanafi told AFP news agency.
The ill-fated vessel, named “Sea Story”, embarked on a multi-day diving trip on Sunday and was scheduled to dock in the town of Hurghada on Friday. It was carrying 31 tourists of multiple nationalities and a 13-member crew at the time of the accident.
According to the governor’s office, the tourists onboard hailed from Belgium, Britain, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, and the United States. Two Polish and two Finnish tourists are among those missing, according to statements from both countries’ foreign ministries.
Authorities have stated that the vessel was fully licensed and had passed all inspection checks. A preliminary investigation has shown no technical faults with the boat.
Reference(s):
4 bodies, 4 survivors recovered from Egypt Red Sea sinking: governor
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