Jenny Cawson and Tariq Sinada remain unaccounted for after the Sea Story capsized, prompting a family's desperate search for answers amid scant information from authorities.
Missing Britons After Red Sea Boat Tragedy: A Family's Plea for Answers

Missing Britons After Red Sea Boat Tragedy: A Family's Plea for Answers
The loved ones of a couple missing following a boat disaster in the Red Sea express their urgent need for information.
The family of a British couple who are still missing after a tourist boat sank in the Red Sea has expressed their growing despair as they await news. Jenny Cawson, 36, and her husband Tariq Sinada, 49, from Devon, were on board the Sea Story, which capsized off the coast of Egypt. The couple is believed to be among seven individuals still unaccounted for after the vessel encountered a large wave and sank during a storm on Monday.
Jenny's father, Michael Williams, described the moment he received the news as shocking, saying, "It’s one of those moments when the world stops." The family has criticized the UK Foreign Office for not providing sufficient updates regarding the incident and the search efforts being led by Egyptian authorities. The Foreign Office stated it is offering support to impacted British nationals and their families following the incident.
The Sea Story was carrying 31 passengers and 13 crew members when it reportedly capsized near the tourist town of Marsa Alam, known for its diving spots. Tourists from various countries, including Belgium, Britain, China, and the US, were on board. So far, 33 individuals have been rescued, and four bodies retrieved.
Michael shared that the distressing news was first conveyed to them by Tariq's mother, who inquired if the family was aware of the boat's fate. Jenny had previously reached out to her family to share images of her diving experience at the Red Sea, further heightening their anxiety. Despite receiving daily updates from the Foreign Office, her mother, Pamela, lamented the lack of concrete information.
Due to this information void, the family sought help from local sources in Egypt. They learned that while the boat was located, details about their loved ones remained vague. Meanwhile, reports indicate that five survivors emerged from inside the submerged cabins of the boat.
Speculation surrounds the causes of the sinking, as the Egyptian Red Sea governor has ruled out technical malfunctions, asserting that the vessel was compliant with safety checks. The Egyptian navy is reportedly leading ongoing rescue operations. Jenny’s family feels frustrated that the Foreign Office hasn’t exerted enough pressure for clearer communication from Egyptian officials.
In light of this tragic incident, which raises concerns about the future of tourism in the region, it's essential to ensure that safety protocols are strictly observed. Jenny and Tariq, seasoned travelers, had undertaken multiple diving trips and were known to research their adventures thoroughly. Pamela expressed, "Everything Jenny and her husband do is highly considered; they do proper research before travelling anywhere."
Jenny's father, Michael Williams, described the moment he received the news as shocking, saying, "It’s one of those moments when the world stops." The family has criticized the UK Foreign Office for not providing sufficient updates regarding the incident and the search efforts being led by Egyptian authorities. The Foreign Office stated it is offering support to impacted British nationals and their families following the incident.
The Sea Story was carrying 31 passengers and 13 crew members when it reportedly capsized near the tourist town of Marsa Alam, known for its diving spots. Tourists from various countries, including Belgium, Britain, China, and the US, were on board. So far, 33 individuals have been rescued, and four bodies retrieved.
Michael shared that the distressing news was first conveyed to them by Tariq's mother, who inquired if the family was aware of the boat's fate. Jenny had previously reached out to her family to share images of her diving experience at the Red Sea, further heightening their anxiety. Despite receiving daily updates from the Foreign Office, her mother, Pamela, lamented the lack of concrete information.
Due to this information void, the family sought help from local sources in Egypt. They learned that while the boat was located, details about their loved ones remained vague. Meanwhile, reports indicate that five survivors emerged from inside the submerged cabins of the boat.
Speculation surrounds the causes of the sinking, as the Egyptian Red Sea governor has ruled out technical malfunctions, asserting that the vessel was compliant with safety checks. The Egyptian navy is reportedly leading ongoing rescue operations. Jenny’s family feels frustrated that the Foreign Office hasn’t exerted enough pressure for clearer communication from Egyptian officials.
In light of this tragic incident, which raises concerns about the future of tourism in the region, it's essential to ensure that safety protocols are strictly observed. Jenny and Tariq, seasoned travelers, had undertaken multiple diving trips and were known to research their adventures thoroughly. Pamela expressed, "Everything Jenny and her husband do is highly considered; they do proper research before travelling anywhere."