In brief
The harrowing incident highlights the dramatic rescue efforts and the ongoing search for missing passengers.
On Tuesday, Khattab al-Faramawy, an Egyptian diver, vividly described the moment he rescued his nephew Youssef from a capsized tourist boat in the Red Sea. The vessel, known as the Sea Story, sank after being hit by a large wave near Marsa Alam, leaving passengers trapped within its submerged cabins. Rescue teams have found five survivors and four bodies after three days of searching, with seven individuals still unaccounted for. “We dived 12m (40ft) under water. The survivors were trapped inside the boat cabins,” Mr. al-Faramawy told reporters. Remarkably, the trapped passengers managed to endure over 24 hours after the tragedy struck.The complexity of the underwater rescue necessitated torch lights to navigate through the darkness, making the search effort challenging. Eventually, rescuers managed to pry open the cabin doors that had trapped occupants, among whom was Youssef, a 23-year-old diving instructor. "His uncle finally saved him," said Hussam al-Faramawy, Youssef’s father, during an emotional call to the BBC. Overcome by relief, he shared how he struggled to inform Youssef's mother about the incident, fearing the news would devastate her. “I only told her after I knew he was safe,” he added, tears streaming down his cheeks.Currently, Youssef and several other survivors are receiving medical care. Of the 44 people aboard the Sea Story, officials confirmed that 33 were rescued. The identities of the deceased and missing passengers have not yet been released, although reports indicate that two of those unaccounted for are British nationals.The Egyptian navy is overseeing the ongoing rescue efforts, while the local authorities have issued videos showing survivors, some on stretchers, being brought to safety. One survivor expressed extreme relief after feeling "shaking with cold" before being helped.The Sea Story, measuring 44 meters, had embarked on a diving excursion from Marsa Alam, a key tourist spot known for its vibrant marine life. Prior to the incident, the Egyptian Meteorological Authority had warned of high waves and recommended against any maritime activity due to adverse weather conditions. Despite having a valid safety certificate and no known technical issues, the boat sank quickly, reportedly within five to seven minutes.Tourists from various nations were aboard the ill-fated boat, including nationals from Belgium, the UK, China, and several other countries. The Polish foreign ministry confirmed that two Polish tourists were among the missing, while the UK Foreign Office is assisting affected British nationals and their families.The tragic event underscores the risks associated with diving tours in the area, further amplifying discussions regarding tourist safety amidst natural challenges.
