Tourist boat capsizes in Red Sea (VIDEO)

A total of 16 people remain missing following the incident, according to the Egyptian authorities

A total of 16 people, including 12 foreign nationals, are missing after a tourist boat capsized in the Red Sea near Marsa Alam, Egypt on Monday.

The vessel named Sea Story sank during a multi-day diving excursion, when it was carrying 44 passengers – 31 tourists and 13 crew members. According to the Red Sea Governorate, 28 people were rescued with minor injuries following the incident.

The boat had departed from Porto Ghalib in Marsa Alam on Sunday and was scheduled to return to Hurghada Marina on November 29. Preliminary findings suggest the boat was struck by a sudden large wave, causing it to capsize within seven minutes. A distress signal was received at 5:30am local time, and survivors were located near the Wadi el-Gemal area south of Marsa Alam.

“Some passengers were in their cabins, which is why they were unable to escape,” Red Sea Governor Amr Hanafi stated.

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