Latest Developments in the Sinking of a Tourist Boat in Egypt
Egyptian authorities are actively searching for eight missing individuals following the sinking of a tourist boat off the coast of Marsa Alam in the Red Sea. The incident occurred on Monday morning when the vessel, carrying 31 tourists from various countries and a crew of 13, was struck by a large wave. As of now, four bodies have been recovered, and 32 people have been rescued. The identities of the deceased have not yet been disclosed.
The boat was reportedly carrying tourists from Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Poland, Belgium, Switzerland, Finland, China, Slovakia, Spain, and Ireland. Among the missing are two Polish and two Finnish tourists, as confirmed by the foreign ministries of those countries. Authorities have stated that the vessel had passed all safety inspections, with the last check conducted in March 2024, which granted it a one-year validity certificate without any noted technical defects.
Previous Maritime Incidents in Marsa Alam
This tragic event marks at least the third maritime accident in the Marsa Alam area this year. The Red Sea is a significant tourist destination for Egypt, contributing over 10% to the country's GDP. Despite the popularity of the region, safety regulations on dive boats can vary, leading to concerns about maritime safety.
Earlier in November, 30 individuals were rescued when a diving boat sank near Daedalus Reef, and last June, around 20 French tourists were evacuated safely from a sinking vessel. Additionally, a year ago, a fire on a yacht resulted in the deaths of three British tourists. These incidents highlight ongoing safety challenges in the region's tourism sector.
