UPDATE
Nov 26, 2024 11:11 AM CST
Rescue operations continued in the Red Sea after an Egyptian tourist boat capsized after being struck by a large wave. The new numbers as of Tuesday morning regarding the 44 people aboard: Four bodies have been recovered, and seven remain missing, per the AP. The other 33 were rescued. Of those on board, 31 were tourists from various nations, including the US.
Nov 25, 2024 9:19 AM CST
At least 17 people are missing after a tourist yacht sank in the Red Sea following warnings about rough seas, Egyptian officials said Monday. The governor of the Red Sea region, Amr Hanafy, said rescuers saved 28 people from the vessel south of the coastal town of Marsa Alam, and some were airlifted to receive medical treatment. Hanafy said 31 tourists of various nationalities were on board along with 14 crew, reports the AP. The governorate received a report shortly before dawn Monday of a distress call made from the yacht, which had left Marsa Alam for a five-day journey. Many tourist companies have stopped or limited traveling on the Red Sea due to the conflicts in the region.
It was not immediately clear what caused the four-deck, wooden-hulled motor yacht to sink. But the Egyptian Meteorological Authority on Saturday warned about turbulence and high waves on the Red Sea and advised against maritime activity for Sunday and Monday. A person answering the phone at the company that operates the yacht, Dive Pro Liveaboard in Hurghada, Egypt, told the AP they have "no information" and hung up. According to their website, the Sea Story was built in 2022 and can hold 36 passengers. The Egyptian military was coordinating rescue operations with the governorate.
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