Egyptian authorities reported Monday that 28 people were rescued from the luxury tourist yacht Sea Story, which sank off the Red Sea coast. However, search efforts remain underway for 17 others still missing.
The yacht, carrying 45 people - 31 tourists of various nationalities and a 14-member crew - capsized early Monday during a diving trip. It had departed Sunday from Port Ghalib Marina near Marsa Alam and was scheduled to dock in Hurghada on Friday.
A distress signal was sent at 5:30 a.m. local time by a crew member, prompting an immediate response from search and rescue teams, according to regional authorities. Red Sea Governor Maj. Gen. Amr Hanafi stated that some survivors were airlifted for medical treatment, while others were transported via rescue vessels until a military frigate brought them safely back to shore.
Military aircraft and naval units continued their search Monday for the 17 missing individuals. Survivors are receiving necessary medical care, while investigations into the cause of the sinking and the nationalities of those involved are ongoing.