Breaking News: 17 Missing in Red Sea after Tourist Boat Sinks off Coast of Egypt

Over a dozen people are missing after a tourist boat sank in the Red Sea near Egypt's coast, officials have reported.

The vessel, Sea Story, was carrying 45 individuals, including 31 tourists of various nationalities and 14 crew members.

Authorities are searching for 17 individuals still unaccounted for, while 28 have been rescued, according to the Red Sea region's governor.

A spokesperson for the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office stated, “We are providing consular support to several British nationals and their families following an incident in Egypt and are in contact with local authorities.”

Survivours of the incident were seen resting at a harbour in Marsa Alam. It remains unclear whether any of the British nationals are among those missing or rescued.

The vessel was on a diving trip when it sank near the coastal town of Marsa Alam. Officials confirmed that a distress call was received at 5:30 am local time on Monday.

Departing from Port Ghalib in Marsa Alam on Sunday, the boat was scheduled to arrive at Hurghada Marina on November 29.

The Sea Story, a four-deck, wooden-hulled motor yacht, had some survivors airlifted to safety by helicopter. The cause of the sinking remains unknown.

The yacht’s operator, Dive Pro Liveaboard in Hurghada, has stated it has no additional information on the incident.
Source: Sky news