A sudden and highly effective wave has been recognized because the seemingly reason behind the Sea Story vacationer boat capsizing south of Marsa Alam on Monday, in response to preliminary stories.
The incident, authorities say, resulted within the boat capsizing in simply 5 to seven minutes. As of the time of publication, 28 passengers have been rescued whereas efforts proceed to find 16 lacking people, together with 4 Egyptians and 12 overseas nationals of varied nationalities, together with German, British, American, Polish, and others.
Purple Sea Governor Main Basic Amr Hanafy, who visited the positioning of the incident, confirmed the preliminary findings based mostly on accounts from survivors and crew. He famous that the fast overturning of the 34-meter-long boat was exacerbated by some passengers being trapped of their cabins when the wave struck.
The governor recommended the swift response of the Armed Forces and different rescue groups, in addition to the essential help supplied by a close-by vacationer boat, Star Jet. He assured that every one rescued passengers are in good well being, having sustained solely minor accidents that didn’t require hospitalization.
“We ensured all rescued passengers acquired rapid medical consideration,” the governor mentioned. “Luckily, their accidents have been minor, together with bruises and abrasions that didn’t require hospitalization.”
What occurred
The incident reportedly occurred 46 nautical miles off the coast of Marsa Alam. Preliminary investigations counsel a sudden giant wave struck the 34-meter-long boat, inflicting it to overturn quickly in simply 5 to seven minutes. Some passengers have been unable to flee as they have been of their cabins when the wave hit.
The Sea Story, owned by an Egyptian nationwide, had been inspected for security in March 2024 and was licensed for a 12 months with no technical defects reported. The boat was on a diving journey that departed from Porto Ghalib Marina on November 24 and was scheduled to return to Hurghada Marina on November 29.
Governor Hanafy confirmed ongoing coordination with embassies, consulates, and different related entities to offer assist and expedite essential documentation for the passengers. Survivors are being accommodated at a Marsa Alam resort, and rescue groups, together with the Armed Forces and the Maritime Rescue Middle, are working tirelessly to find the lacking.
Authorities acquired the misery sign at 5:30 a.m. on Monday from one of many boat’s crew members. Investigations are underway to find out the precise reason behind the accident, with the boat’s crew at the moment being questioned.
The Purple Sea Governorate has assured the general public that updates will probably be shared as new data turns into obtainable.
