Egypt: 17 foreign tourists missing after luxury yacht capsized off the Red Sea | World News

Egyptian authorities said on Monday that 17 people, including foreigners from various countries, were missing after a tourist yacht capsized on the country’s Red Sea coast, AFP news agency reported.

The tourist yacht Sea Story departed from the country’s Ghalib Port on a multi-day diving trip on Sunday and was scheduled to return to the Hurghada coast on Friday.

Emergency response teams managed to rescue 28 people by plane, while others were transported to safety by a warship.

Governor Amr Hanafi said, “Intensive search operations are continuing in coordination with the navy and armed forces.” The Egyptian army is actively participating in the search for missing tourists.

Authorities did not mention the cause of the crash or the nationalities of the missing foreign tourists. Dive Pro Liveaboard, which owns Sea Story, has not yet provided additional information.

Egypt’s meteorological department has advised against maritime activities on Sunday and Monday, warning of turbulent sea conditions. According to AP’s report, Sea Story started its journey despite the recommendations.

The Red Sea coast is an important tourism center in Egypt, which has a population of 105 million and is in the grip of a serious economic crisis. Nationally, the tourism sector employs two million people and produces more than 10 percent of GDP.

Dozens of boats sail for tourists to see the coral reefs off the country’s east coast. The country has robust security regulations, but enforcement remains patchy.

Marsa Alam district witnessed two similar accidents earlier this year, but there were no fatalities. Earlier this month, 30 people were rescued from a diving boat that sank near the Red Sea’s famous Daedalus reef.

In June, two dozen French tourists were evacuated safely before their boat sank in a similar accident.

Last year, three British tourists lost their lives when a fire broke out on their yacht and their ship burst into flames.