In brief
A recent boat tragedy in the Red Sea has left many devastated, with divers like Khattab al-Faramawy working through darkness to rescue trapped survivors. With several still missing, the community hopes for their safe return.
An Egyptian diver named Khattab al-Faramawy shared his experience after a tourist boat, Sea Story, sank in the Red Sea, causing a tragic loss of life. “We dived 12m (40ft) under water – the survivors were trapped inside the boat cabins,” he reported, describing how rescuers had to use torchlights to navigate the murky depths. The incident, which occurred off the coast of Marsa Alam, resulted in the deaths of at least four people and left five others miraculously rescued from the submerged vessel. The Sea Story was carrying 44 passengers and crew when a large wave hit on Monday, causing it to sink. With the boat largely underwater, rescuers worked fervently to access the locked cabins under challenging conditions. Among those rescued was al-Faramawy’s own 23-year-old nephew, Youssef, a diving instructor who had attempted to help passengers but became trapped himself. His father, Hussam, expressed overwhelming relief upon discovering Youssef was safe, having kept the ordeal from his wife to avoid further distress. Local authorities have taken charge of the rescue efforts, with visuals depicting survivors being wrapped in blankets and receiving medical attention. The boat had set sail for a five-day diving tour and was warned of rough waves ahead of the disaster. Authorities confirmed the vessel held a valid safety certificate, raising questions about the tragedy, especially as the tourism sector remains crucial for the area. Family members from various nations are anxiously awaiting news, as some passengers, including tourists from Britain and Poland, are still unaccounted for.
