Reports have emerged of two missing UK tourists after a yacht sank off the coast of Egypt in the Red Sea. The Foreign Office has confirmed that it is offering consular support to “a number of British nationals and their families” in connection with the incident. The tourist yacht sank near the coastal town of Marsa Alam, with four Britons among the 44 individuals on board, including passengers from various countries like the US, Germany, Poland, Belgium, and others.
Governor Amr Hanafi of the Red Sea region disclosed that out of the 44 people on the yacht, 28 have been rescued, leaving 16 individuals unaccounted for, including the two missing UK tourists and four Egyptians. The distress call was made in the early hours of Monday after the yacht capsized due to a reported high sea wave. Mr. Hanafi dismissed the possibility of a technical fault and confirmed that all required licenses were in place for The Sea Story.
The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs is also providing consular assistance, while Abta is inquiring with its members for any customers impacted by the incident. The Egyptian Meteorological Authority had issued warnings of high waves, advising against maritime activities on the days leading up to the incident. Rescue efforts are being led by the Egyptian military and the Red Sea Governorate, with armed forces aircraft deployed to the scene.
Marsa Alam is a popular destination for diving enthusiasts due to its proximity to coral reef areas. In a tragic incident last year, three Britons lost their lives in a fire aboard a diving boat near Marsa Alam. Dive Pro Liveaboard, the company operating the yacht in this recent incident, has stated they have no further information. Investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the yacht sinking and the search for the missing individuals.
In summary, the incident involving the sinking yacht off the coast of Egypt has prompted a multi-national rescue effort as authorities work to locate the missing passengers, including two UK tourists. The close monitoring and support from various foreign offices underscore the global impact of this maritime tragedy, while raising questions about safety protocols and emergency preparedness in such tourist excursions.