A tourist yacht capsized in the Red Sea near Marsa Alam, leaving 17 missing. Rescue teams saved 28, as authorities probe the cause of the tragedy.

[dropcap]E[/dropcap]gyptian authorities have confirmed that 17 individuals are still missing after a tourist yacht capsized in the Red Sea early Monday morning.

The vessel, carrying 31 tourists of various nationalities and 14 crew members, encountered trouble near Marsa Alam, a popular coastal destination.

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Amr Hanafy, Governor of the Red Sea region, reported that rescue teams successfully saved 28 people, some of whom were airlifted for medical treatment.

Efforts are ongoing to locate the missing passengers, with the Egyptian military coordinating alongside local authorities.

The UK Foreign Office confirmed its involvement, providing consular assistance to British nationals affected by the incident. Reports suggest that British citizens may be among those still unaccounted for.

Authorities received a distress signal from the yacht, Sea Story, just before dawn. The vessel, a four-deck, wooden-hulled motor yacht built in 2022, departed Marsa Alam on a five-day excursion.

Constructed to accommodate 36 passengers, it was operated by Hurghada-based Dive Pro Liveaboard.

While the exact cause of the accident remains unclear, the Egyptian Meteorological Authority had issued warnings over the weekend about turbulent conditions in the Red Sea.

Elevated waves and rough seas prompted advisories against maritime activities on Sunday and Monday.

A representative from Dive Pro Liveaboard declined to comment when contacted.

The incident has sent ripples through the region’s tourism sector, which relies heavily on Red Sea activities. Many tour operators have suspended or scaled back operations due to safety concerns, further compounded by regional instability.

The Egyptian government has launched an investigation into the accident, scrutinising both weather conditions and the operational protocols of the yacht.

Meanwhile, rescue teams are racing against time to locate the missing individuals, as hope dwindles with each passing hour.

The tragedy highlights the need for stricter adherence to weather advisories and safety protocols in the Red Sea, a destination beloved for its marine biodiversity and diving opportunities.

As rescue efforts continue, the international community awaits further updates, particularly regarding the identities and well-being of those still unaccounted for.