Survivors reported that the yacht capsized within five to seven minutes after being struck by a large wave. Rescue operations led to the recovery of four bodies and the rescue of 33 individuals. However, seven passengers remain unaccounted for.
Among the survivors were Lucianna Galetta and her partner, Christophe Lemmens, both Belgian nationals, along with diving instructor Youssef al-Faramawy. The trio endured nearly 35 hours in darkness, trapped in an air pocket at the rear of the partially submerged vessel, before being rescued. Galetta recounted the ordeal, stating, “We had no communication with the outside, nothing. No one tried to see if there was someone alive in there.”
Criticism has been directed toward the tour operator, Dive Pro Liveaboard, with survivors citing “crew error” and “safety failings” as contributing factors to the disaster. Sarah Martin, a survivor from the UK, noted that prior to the incident, “the weather wasn’t terrible,” but she observed “furniture was sliding around the deck.” Despite inquiries, the crew reportedly downplayed the situation.
Oceanographer Dr. Simon Boxall suggested that weather data from the time indicates a wave alone may not have caused the sinking, implying potential pilot or design errors. Egyptian authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident.
This tragedy underscores the critical importance of stringent safety protocols and thorough crew training in maritime operations. As the investigation unfolds, it is imperative that lessons are learned to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.
Key Points:
- The “Sea Story,” a tourist diving yacht, sank in the Red Sea on November 25, 2024, shortly after departing from Porto Ghalib in Marsa Alam, Egypt.
- The vessel was carrying 44 individuals, including 31 tourists and 13 crew members, on a five-day diving trip scheduled to conclude at Hurghada Marina on November 29.
- Survivors reported that the yacht capsized within five to seven minutes after being struck by a large wave.
- Rescue operations led to the recovery of four bodies and the rescue of 33 individuals. Seven passengers, including two Britons, remain missing.
- Three survivors endured nearly 35 hours in darkness, trapped in an air pocket at the rear of the partially submerged vessel, before being rescued.
- Survivors have criticized the tour operator, Dive Pro Liveaboard, citing “crew error” and “safety failings” as contributing factors to the disaster.
- Oceanographer Dr. Simon Boxall suggested that weather data from the time indicates a wave alone may not have caused the sinking, implying potential pilot or design errors.
- Egyptian authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident.
