Authorities say five more people have been rescued, bringing the total to 33 survivors while seven remain missing.
At least four bodies have been recovered as rescue teams continue to search for survivors after a tourist boat capsized in the Red Sea off Egypt’s eastern coast.
Red Sea governor Amr Hanafi reported on Tuesday that rescue teams have located five people alive, including one Egyptian, two Belgian nationals, one Swiss national, and one Finn, increasing the total number of survivors to 33.
The identities of the four deceased individuals have not yet been confirmed, and seven people are still missing.
“Rescue operations are ongoing today, supported by a military helicopter and a frigate, as well as multiple divers,” Hanafi informed the AFP news agency.
The incident took place on Monday when the Sea Story boat capsized, carrying 31 tourists and 13 crew members on a multi-day diving excursion after being struck by high waves, causing it to sink near Marsa Alam in southeastern Egypt.
Hanafi mentioned that the boat capsized within five to seven minutes after hitting a wave, leaving some passengers unable to escape from their cabins in time.
On Monday, 28 individuals were rescued with minor injuries and were taken to a hotel in Marsa Alam while authorities worked with embassies to provide support and documentation.
The governor’s office stated that the boat was carrying tourists from various countries such as Belgium, the United Kingdom, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, and the United States.
Furthermore, Hanafi mentioned that the boat had passed its last safety inspection in March, with no reported technical issues.
However, the Sea Story is among several boats that have sunk in this region of Egypt due to harsh weather conditions.
In June, a vessel sustained significant damage from strong winds, but there were no casualties.
Earlier in November, 30 people were rescued from a sinking dive boat near the Red Sea’s Daedalus reef.
