An Egyptian diver's harrowing tale of rescuing survivors from the capsized tourist yacht, Sea Story, has captivated many as details of the incident continue to emerge. Khattab al-Faramawy, who was among the divers called to the scene, expressed both relief and trauma after he discovered his own nephew among those trapped inside the submerged vessel. The tragic event occurred on Monday, near Marsa Alam, after the yacht was reportedly struck by powerful waves, which caused it to sink within minutes.
The Sea Story was on a multi-day trip when it sent out a distress signal at approximately 5:30 AM, prompting immediate search and rescue operations. With 44 people on board, including 31 tourists from various countries and 13 crew members, the situation quickly escalated as authorities raced against time. Within hours, 28 people were rescued, but the effort continued as survivors' hope dwindled for those still unaccounted for.
According to Mr. al-Faramawy, the search took him and other divers about 12 meters (around 40 feet) underwater. The conditions were challenging—darkness surrounded them, making the task of locating passengers locked inside the cabins particularly complicated. "We used torches to navigate through the darkness; it was quite the complex mission," he recounted, showcasing the emotional weight both he and other rescuers felt.
During this dangerous operation, al-Faramawy managed to locate his nephew, Youssef, who was working as a diver on the Sea Story. Initially trying to help other passengers, Youssef found himself trapped inside his cabin. His father, Hussam al-Faramawy, shared his emotional relief upon learning his son had survived, stating, "I was praying to God to help my boy; thankfully, his uncle saved him." Youssef is currently receiving medical treatment along with other survivors.
Officials have reported disturbing data from this tragic incident, with four bodies recovered and seven individuals still missing, including two British nationals. The Egyptian navy and military have been leading the search efforts, deploying divers, helicopters, and naval ships to scour the area for survivors.
Footage shared by local authorities showed some of the survivors being brought ashore wrapped in blankets. One unnamed rescuee shared his ordeal, describing how he trembled from cold after being trapped underwater. The Sea Story had departed from Porto Ghalib and was scheduled for several days of scuba adventures, attracting thrill-seekers to the famed Red Sea.
Adding to the complexity, survivors reported having heard others screaming from their cabins as the boat took on water. A survivor, who was one of the lucky few rescued, recalled the chaos: "I was on the surface when everything fell apart. The boat started tilting sharply, and I tried to grab something but it all happened so fast. I heard screams; many couldn’t reach safety due to water filling the cabins and closed doors." The level of panic and fear experienced on board is difficult to overstate.
Discrepancies have arisen about the cause of the sinking. The Red Sea governor has indicated strong waves were responsible for capsizing the yacht, yet experts express skepticism. Oceanographer Simon Boxall pointed out, "The wind conditions weren’t severe enough to create waves of such magnitude. We need concrete investigations; the information provided is minimal and unclear." These remarks hint at the possibility of human error or oversight preceding the tragedy.
The Egyptian Meteorological Authority had issued warnings about adverse weather conditions for the Red Sea prior to the incident, advising against maritime activity due to high wave predictions of 10 to 13 feet. Given the circumstances, questions arise over how the yacht was permitted to set sail under such foreboding conditions. These inquiries will require thorough examination as the recovery and rescue actions continue.
Among those on board were tourists from various nations, including Belgium, the UK, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, and the U.S. The country’s foreign ministries have acknowledged the situation and vowed support for the families of missing individuals. At the same time, the Chinese embassy reported happiness as some of its citizens who were on board have been confirmed safe and healthy.
Meanwhile, the local council has indicated its determination to continue the search for the remaining missing individuals as families anxiously await news about their loved ones. With each passing day, hope slowly fades; still, divers like al-Faramawy exemplify the bravery and dedication of those involved. The stories of survival, heart-wrenching prayers, and the struggle against nature's fury resonate deeply, showcasing both the fragility and strength found amid disaster.
Authorities remain focused on addressing any potential safety lapses surrounding the vessel's operations, ensuring similar tragedies are prevented in the future. The search operation carries on, with rescuers committed to exhausting all efforts to find the seven individuals still lost at sea and provide answers to grieving families.
