28 Rescued, 17 Missing After Tourist Boat Sinks in Egypt's Marsa Alam

A tourist boat carrying 45 people sank early Monday morning near a coral reef area off the coast of Marsa Alam, in Egypt's Red Sea. The incident occurred during a diving and safari trip when the boat, Sea Story, ran aground.

The boat, which had departed from Porto Ghalib Port in Marsa Alam on November 24th for a diving expedition scheduled to conclude on November 29th, was en route to Hurghada Marina. Onboard were 31 tourists of various nationalities and a crew of 14.

According to the Red Sea Governorate’s statement, an SOS signal was received at 5:30 AM from one of the crew members. The boat sank near Satayah Reef, north of Marsa Alam.

Governor of the Red Sea, Major General Amr Hanafi, confirmed that 28 individuals had been rescued, while the search for 17 missing persons is ongoing. Rescue efforts include a coordinated operation involving a helicopter and the Al-Fateh frigate, which departed from Bernice Port toward the site of the distress call.

Survivors were transported for medical evaluation, with some receiving treatment onboard the helicopter. Others remain secured at the site awaiting transfer by the rescue vessel.

The boat's owner reported losing contact with those onboard during the trip. Authorities have declared a state of emergency and are conducting a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Further updates will follow as rescue operations continue.