The Foreign Office has confirmed that Germans are also missing following the accident on a holiday boat off the coast of Egypt. It is said that there were no technical faults on the “Sea Story” when it collapsed. Three bodies have now been found.
The most important thing in a nutshell
After the tourist boat “Sea Story” sank in the Red Sea, three bodies of previously unknown nationality were found.
13 people are still missing, including at least two Germans. According to police, these two passengers come from Munich.
The German embassy in Cairo is in contact with the Egyptian authorities.
According to the Foreign Office, Germans are among the passengers missing on the sunken holiday boat. “Unfortunately, we have to confirm that German citizens are also missing following the tragic boat accident in the Red Sea,” said a spokesman for the Foreign Office. According to the police, the two Germans are from Munich. A police spokesman initially did not provide any information about the age and gender of the two. “Bild” previously reported that a Bavarian couple was among the missing.
At first there was talk of 17 people missing out of a total of 45 people on board the “Sea Story”, later of 16. There were people on the five day trip to dive sites In addition to four Germans and two Swiss, about 20 tourists from other European countries, the USA, China and Egypt were also on boardas Governor Amr Hanafi told the German Press Agency.
According to British media reports four missing from Great Britain. The Foreign Office said it was providing consular assistance to “some British citizens and their families”.
Heavy waves of unhappiness
The boat “Sea Story” which sank off the coast of Egypt in heavy waves in the Red Sea was probably involved in an accident. The governor responsible for the region, Amr Hanafi, announced this, citing reports from staff and tourists after the accident.
A big wave hit the boat and it overturned. The multi-story “Sea Story” grew within minutes and some passengers did not get out of their cabins in time. The boat had no technical faults and also had all the necessary approvals including an inspection in the spring, Hanafi wrote on Facebook.
“Sea Story” was sailing in the Red Sea
It is a good 40 meters long Motor yacht “Sea Story” is traveling in the Red Sea from Sunday (November 24). It had taken off from Port Ghalib and was due to arrive further north in Hurghada on Friday (November 29). Early Monday morning (November 25), the crew made an emergency call and the yacht then sank, Hanafi said. The motor yacht, which is only two years old and has cabins for more than 30 passengers, is for Diving trips lasting several days announced in the Red Sea.
A fire broke out in the area after the accident comprehensive search for survivors with the Egyptian Navy. 28 survivors They were found near the coastal city of Marsa Alam and taken to safety by an Egyptian armed forces aircraft and frigate and given medical attention, Hanafi said. They stayed in a hotel in the coastal town of Marsa Alam. They are working with the help of the various embassies to get them documents for the trip home.
Egypt is known for its ancient sites and seaside resorts Very popular with German holidaymakers. Most tourists in the North African country come from Germany and Russia. I Egypt The climate is extremely warm during the winter months. Here too, the weather at sea can change and become stormy. The Red Sea offers divers some of the most amazing dive sites in the world.
What are the main safety protocols that tourists should be aware of when boarding recreational boats?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Maritime Safety Expert
Editor: Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome to our special segment. Today, we’re discussing the tragic sinking of the holiday boat “Sea Story” off the coast of Egypt. I’m joined by Dr. Emily Kerstin, a maritime safety expert with over 15 years of experience in marine accident investigations. Dr. Kerstin, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Kerstin: Thank you for having me.
Editor: The accident of the “Sea Story” has attracted significant attention, particularly with reports of German tourists among those missing. What can you tell us about the potential causes of such accidents?
Dr. Kerstin: Unfortunately, accidents like this are often attributed to a combination of factors. In this case, we know that the boat was struck by a large wave, which appears to have been the immediate cause of the capsize. Heavy waves can pose a serious threat, particularly to smaller vessels or those not designed for rough seas.
Editor: That raises an important point. Given that the “Sea Story” reportedly had no technical faults and had passed inspection, how does one account for the failure of a vessel in adverse weather conditions?
Dr. Kerstin: That’s a critical aspect of maritime safety. Even well-maintained vessels can be vulnerable to sudden weather changes. In this incident, it seems that the boat was not prepared for the scale of the waves it encountered. The staff and crew need to be well-trained to handle emergencies and should always have contingency plans for unexpected weather phenomena.
Editor: Speaking of staff training, can you elaborate on the responsibilities of the crew during such emergencies?
Dr. Kerstin: Absolutely. Crew members should prioritize passenger safety above all. This includes conducting safety drills, ensuring that life jackets are easily accessible, and knowing how to efficiently evacuate passengers in an emergency. If passengers are not informed or don’t act quickly, the consequences can be dire, as we see in this situation where some passengers did not manage to leave their cabins in time.
Editor: It’s heartbreaking to hear about these missing persons in the context of this engine failure. With reports indicating varying numbers of missing individuals, how can authorities best manage the information presented to the public?
Dr. Kerstin: Managing communication in crises is crucial. Accurate, timely, and clear information is essential to maintain public trust and assist in recovery efforts. Authorities should strive to provide updates as they confirm details, and they need to ensure that the families of those affected receive support. Transparency is particularly important here, especially with multiple nationalities involved.
Editor: The German embassy is currently in contact with Egyptian authorities regarding the missing German citizens. How significant is international cooperation in incidents like these?
Dr. Kerstin: International cooperation is vital. When incidents involve tourists from various countries, it’s essential for respective nations to collaborate for effective rescue operations and support. Moreover, cross-border training and sharing best practices in maritime safety can mitigate risks in tourist-heavy regions.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Kerstin. As we reflect on this tragic event, what measures can be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future?
Dr. Kerstin: There are several steps that can enhance safety. First, regulatory bodies must enforce strict adherence to safety protocols. Regular inspections should not just check mechanical systems but also operational readiness for extreme weather. Additionally, crew training programs should be continuously updated to respond to new challenges. educating tourists about safety protocols when boarding such vessels is also crucial.
Editor: Wise words. Thank you, Dr. Kerstin, for your insights today. Such tragedies remind us of the importance of safety in tourism and the maritime industry. Our thoughts are with the families affected by this incident.
Dr. Kerstin: Thank you for bringing attention to such an important issue.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay safe and informed.