大象传媒

Summary

  • Three bodies are recovered from a capsized tourist boat in the Red Sea, the Reuters news agency reports

  • Some 44 people were aboard the Sea Story when it sank and 28 were rescued, officials say

  • Two of those missing are British, the 大象传媒 understands

  • The Sea Story left port on Sunday for a five-day trip - the boat may have sank after hitting a large wave

  1. Egypt's tourism may be impactedpublished at 11:50 Greenwich Mean Time

    Sally Nabil
    大象传媒 Arabic Bilingual Correspondent, reporting in Egypt

    Trips like the one the boat had are very popular in the Red Sea.

    This particular trip set sail from Marsa Alam and was meant to end here in Hurghada, where I am.

    It was supposed to last five days, but after just a few hours, a distress call was issued, asking for emergency assistance.

    The Red Sea area is a favourite destination for European tourists, especially for diving, enjoying the clear waters, warm weather, and colourful coral reefs.

    This incident might have a negative impact on the tourism industry in this country, which is a lifeline for the Egyptian economy, already in a difficult situation.

    After this incident, we鈥檙e unsure if tourists will be put off, but those working in the industry are certainly worried about their livelihoods.

  2. Why we don't know much right nowpublished at 11:40 Greenwich Mean Time

    Sally Nabil
    大象传媒 Arabic Bilingual Correspondent, reporting in Egypt

    Generally speaking, the information is being given out very carefully by the authorities.

    Firstly, because it is the army who is in charge of the rescue operation, and they are usually very cautious when it comes to releasing information or public statements.

    Secondly, this incident has a very negative effect on the tourism industry in Egypt, especially here on the Red Sea shores, and this is the high season for this area of the country.

    This is why the authorities are treading very carefully when it comes to reporting on this incident.

    What we understand so far is that the rescue and search operations are still ongoing.

    It鈥檚 the navy who鈥檚 taking the lead here; they have dispatched ships and a couple of helicopters.

    The survivors are understood to be in good condition. They only have bruises and very minor wounds.

    As far as we know, the search operation has not been concluded yet, and whether or not they will be able to find anybody remains to be seen.

  3. Which countries were the people on board from?published at 11:34 Greenwich Mean Time

    As the search continues, here is what we know so far about the people who were on board the Sea Story.

    The 大象传媒 understands two of those missing are British.

    Finland said one of its nationals was unaccounted for, while authorities say four Egyptians are also missing.

    The crew of the Sea Story are all Egyptians, according to the local council in Marsa Alam.

    The tourists on board included five Spanish, four British, four Germans and two US nationals.

    The Red Sea governor said there was also an Irish person on board the ship, but it is not known if they are among the missing.

    The Chinese embassy in Egypt confirmed two of its nationals were rescued and 鈥渋n good health鈥.

  4. Watch: Survivors helped ashorepublished at 11:18 Greenwich Mean Time

    As we've reported, three bodies have reportedly been recovered from the Sea Story, which sank in the Red Sea on Monday.

    There were 44 people on board - 31 tourists, and 13 crew members. This video shows some of the 28 people who were rescued on Monday coming to shore.

    With news of three bodies recovered this morning, it means 13 people are still missing.

    Media caption,

    Survivors helped ashore after Red Sea tourist boat sinking

  5. Reports say three bodies recoveredpublished at 11:06 Greenwich Mean Time
    Breaking

    Three bodies have been recovered from the capsized tourist boat in the Red Sea, Reuters news agency reports, quoting the Red Sea governor Amr Hanafi.

    As a reminder, 28 people were rescued after the boat sank, with 16 missing.

  6. Why did the boat sink?published at 11:04 Greenwich Mean Time

    The Sea Story tourist boat made a distress call before dawn on Monday.

    Amr Hanafi, governor of the Red Sea region, said that according to those on board, a "high sea wave" hit the boat and caused it to capsize in "about five or seven minutes".

    Some passengers were inside their cabins, "which is why they couldn't get out".

    The Egyptian Meteorological Authority warned of high waves on the Red Sea and advised against maritime activity on Sunday and Monday.

    Wind speeds were between 37-43 mph (60-70 kmph) and wave heights were three to four metres (10-13ft) high.

    Sea Storey yachtImage source, Red Sea governate
  7. Search continues for 16 people missing in Red Seapublished at 11:01 Greenwich Mean Time

    Welcome to our live coverage, as the search resumes for 16 people who have been missing in the Red Sea since their tourist boat sank on Monday.

    In total, 44 people were on the Sea Story, and 28 have been rescued. Two of the missing are British, the 大象传媒 understands.

    The Sea Story left port near the eastern town of Marsa Alam on Sunday for a five-day diving trip. It's thought it may have sank after being hit by a large wave.

    With our team in Egypt, we'll have all the latest news on this page, so stay with us.

    Map showing location of boat sinking near Marsa Alam on Egyptian Red Sea coast