At least 17 people are missing after a tourist yacht sank in Egypt’s Red Sea following warnings about turbulent weather. The vessel, which departed from Marsa Alam on a five-day journey, carried 31 tourists of various nationalities and 14 crew members.
The Red Sea governor, Amr Hanafy, confirmed that rescuers saved 28 people, some of whom were airlifted for medical treatment. British nationals are reported to be among the missing, and the U.K. Foreign Office is providing consular support.
The incident occurred south of Marsa Alam early Monday morning, after a distress call was received. The four-deck motor yacht, Sea Story, built in 2022 to accommodate 36 passengers, sank amid turbulent seas. The Egyptian Meteorological Authority had issued warnings over the weekend about high waves and advised against maritime activity on Sunday and Monday.
Dive Pro Liveaboard, the company operating the yacht, declined to provide details when contacted. Meanwhile, the Egyptian military is leading rescue operations in coordination with the Red Sea governorate.
Tourism companies have recently limited travel on the Red Sea due to the risks posed by regional conflicts and unpredictable weather conditions. The exact cause of the yacht’s sinking is still under investigation.