Everything we know about the Red Sea incident

Two Britons are among the missing after a submarine was hit by a “huge wave” and capsized off the coast of the Red Sea in Egypt on Monday, November 25.

During a rescue operation, 28 people were rescued from the Sea story before she sank, according to the governor of the Red Sea region, Amr Hanafi.

These are the most important questions and answers.

What was this ship doing?

Sea story was a liveaboard submarine, located near the Red Sea port of Marsa Alam. She is one of dozens of similar ships to be boarded divers to some of the most exciting underwater locations in the world – with reefs, wrecks and colorful fish.

For a week-long trip with dive company Dive Pro Liveaboard, you’ll pay €1,220 (just over £1,000) and you can do three or four dives a day.

What do we know about the boat?

Sea story was equipped with 16 double cabins, so room for 32 divers, and a usual crew of 12 – eight seafarers and four kitchen staff. She was very modern, built in 2022. The operator, Dive Pro Liveaboard, says it is “locally owned and operates from the heart of Hurghada” – a Red Sea resort popular with British travellers.

The Red Sea Governorate said the boat passed a safety inspection in March 2024.

What was the time scale?

On Saturday, the Egyptian Meteorological Authority forecast high seas in the Red Sea, with winds of 65 km per hour and waves of 3 meters high, and advised against maritime activities for Sunday and Monday.

On Sunday Sea story left Port Ghalib, just north of the resort town of Marsa Alam, on a routine five-day trip. On board: 13 crew members and 31 divers.

According to survivors’ accounts, the ship capsized early Monday morning after being hit by a large wave. The crew managed to send out a distress call and 28 people on board were rescued.

Is the Red Sea a dangerous part of the world for shipping?

Not unusual – except for Houthi activity – but there could be some intense thunderstorms.

The worst maritime disaster in the Red Sea occurred in 2006then a ferry from Duba in Saudi Arabia to Safaga in Egypt sank after a fire on board and subsequent attempts to extinguish it. About 1,000 passengers died, with bad weather believed to have contributed to the terribly high death toll.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns: “Overcrowding and poor safety standards have caused accidents on ferries and Nile cruises on the Red Sea.”

In June 2023, three British tourists died in a fire on board another submarine, Hurricaneclose to the place Sea story sank.

What is the best advice for someone considering a diving holiday in Egypt?

Egypt has a much higher risk level than Britain, so the entire trip must be taken into consideration. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says: “(Traffic accidents are common due to poor road conditions, dangerous driving and poor enforcement of traffic laws.

“Serious bus accidents have caused many deaths in recent years, including tourists.

“There have also been fatal train collisions and derailments.”

The best protection is offered by booking a good package (flights, accommodation and activities) through a UK airline, who will do everything they can to ensure it is a safe experience. But ultimately the safety standards do not meet British standards.