On November 26, 2024, the Red Sea became the scene of tragedy as a tourist boat sank near Marsa Alam, leading to chaos and heartbreak among its passengers and their loved ones. The boat, named the Sea Story, was carrying 44 people—including 31 tourists and 13 crew members—when it capsized within minutes of experiencing rough water conditions. Egyptian officials reported the vessel sank after being hit by what has been described as a freak wave, leaving many passengers unable to escape their cabins.
The incident unfolded around 5:30 AM local time, shortly after the boat departed from the coastal town of Marsa Alam on its intended five-day voyage. Reports indicate the boat made distress calls before it rolled over and quickly submerged. While the sea was still early with high wind speeds and waves, passengers were unaware of the impending danger as the weather had allegedly worsened overnight.
According to Red Sea governor Maj-Gen Amr Hanafi, rescue efforts began immediately, with military personnel and passing tourist boats mobilizing to search for survivors. Initially, 28 individuals were rescued, but the fate of 16 people remained uncertain, including two British nationals and several others from around the world, including Belgium, China, Finland, Germany, and Poland.
By the next morning, search teams announced they had found four bodies and five survivors, with the latter having survived over 30 hours at sea. Dramatic accounts emerged from those rescued, with one Belgian survivor expressing gratitude as he thanked rescuers and described his relief at returning to dry land, saying, "It is very nice to be back." Another survivor, who was more experienced with underwater activities, shared his memory of the terrifying moment water flooded the boat, describing his struggle to find stability as the vessel capsized.
Among the fortunate survivors were professional divers, highlighting the irony as many individuals on board had significant experience with the water. One diver recounted, "I was on the surface when things started to go wrong. I felt the boat tilting sharply, and I tried to hold on to something stable, but the capsizing was very fast." Their accounts revealed the sheer panic and horror as they maneuvered through darkness and tumultuous water, clinging to their life jackets until rescuers arrived.
Search and recovery operations were coordinated by the Egyptian military and local authorities, including the Red Sea Governorate. Helicopters and naval ships scoured the waters as night fell, causing temporary halts to rescue efforts, but resuming again at first light. The authorities invoked caution as the Egyptian Meteorological Authority had issued warnings about the hazardous sea conditions leading up to the tragic capsizing.
Initial investigations led governor Hanafi to assert there were no apparent technical faults with the Sea Story, which had passed its last inspection and was certified for safe voyages. "The boat received its validity certificate earlier this year, and all required licenses were obtained," he commented, trying to assure the public of the vessel's condition preceding the incident. He added, "The likely cause of the accident, according to accounts from survivors and the crew, was a sudden, large wave from the sea."
The rescued passengers were provided assistance and accommodations, as the Red Sea governorate coordinated with embassies to support foreign nationals involved. Local authorities worked diligently to address their needs and facilitate communication with families back home.
Among the missing were various nationalities, including two Polish tourists, and the British Foreign Office confirmed they were offering support to affected families. The scene at the dock was somber, filled with anxious relatives waiting for news and updates as the search continued.
This is not the first maritime disaster off the coast of Marsa Alam. The area, celebrated for its breathtaking coral reefs and marine biodiversity, has also seen its share of tragic incidents. Last year, three British nationals died when their tour boat caught fire due to suspected electrical faults. Such events raise alarms about safety measures and protocols within the tourism sector, particularly as the region relies heavily on divers and holiday-goers drawn by the allure of the Red Sea.
Authorities hope the investigation will provide clarity and answers but, for now, the immediate focus remains on finding those still missing and supporting the grieving families. Governor Hanafi noted the importance of investigating such incidents thoroughly to prevent them from occurring again. With this tragedy, heartache permeates the shores of Marsa Alam as the community springs to action to provide support and healing.
