An Egyptian diver details the dramatic rescue of his nephew from a sunken tourist boat, as search efforts continue for missing passengers following the tragedy.
Diver's Heroic Rescue: Nephew Found Alive in Red Sea Boat Tragedy
Diver's Heroic Rescue: Nephew Found Alive in Red Sea Boat Tragedy
An emotional story of survival unfolds as a diver rescues his nephew from a capsized tourist boat in the Red Sea.
In a gripping account from the Red Sea, Khattab al-Faramawy, an Egyptian diver, shared the harrowing experience of rescuing his own nephew, Youssef, during the tragic sinking of a tourist boat near Marsa Alam. The incident occurred when the vessel, known as the Sea Story, was struck by a large wave, leading to its capsizing and subsequent search operation that has claimed multiple lives.
On Tuesday, rescuers confirmed they found five survivors and have so far recovered four bodies, but seven individuals remain unaccounted for. "We dived 12m (40ft) under water, and the survivors were trapped inside the boat cabins," Mr. al-Faramawy recounted to the BBC, highlighting the intricate nature of the dimly lit search for stranded passengers and crew members.
After over a day submerged underwater, they managed to open cabin doors, successfully bringing Youssef – a 23-year-old diving instructor – to safety. His father, Hussam al-Faramawy, expressed his emotional turmoil over the incident, relaying his desperate prayers until news of Youssef's survival reached him.
"I was overjoyed; I broke down in tears," Hussam stated, revealing that he withheld details of the tragedy from Youssef's mother until he confirmed her son's safety. The fortunate diver is currently recuperating in a local hospital alongside other rescued survivors, with a total of 33 people saved out of the 44 onboard the ill-fated vessel.
As the Egyptian military leads the ongoing search and rescue efforts, additional poignant details surface regarding the ill-fated vessel's journey. The Sea Story had embarked on a five-day diving excursion the previous Sunday, but encountered perilous conditions overnight, prompting a swift sinking within mere minutes, according to the Red Sea governor, Maj-Gen Amr Hanafi.
Despite warnings from the Egyptian Meteorological Authority regarding unfavourable maritime conditions, authorities noted that the Sea Story held a valid safety certification and was not reported to have technical malfunctions.
The boat's passengers included tourists from various nations including Belgium, the UK, China, and others. Among those missing, reports indicate two Polish tourists. The UK Foreign Office has confirmed assistance for affected British nationals following this distressing event, while the Chinese embassy in Egypt reported that two of its citizens are safe after being rescued.
The region is a popular destination for diving and sea excursions, attracting visitors seeking to experience the breathtaking underwater beauty of the Red Sea. Amidst the tragedy, the community remains hopeful for the remaining individuals still unaccounted for as rescue operations persist.
On Tuesday, rescuers confirmed they found five survivors and have so far recovered four bodies, but seven individuals remain unaccounted for. "We dived 12m (40ft) under water, and the survivors were trapped inside the boat cabins," Mr. al-Faramawy recounted to the BBC, highlighting the intricate nature of the dimly lit search for stranded passengers and crew members.
After over a day submerged underwater, they managed to open cabin doors, successfully bringing Youssef – a 23-year-old diving instructor – to safety. His father, Hussam al-Faramawy, expressed his emotional turmoil over the incident, relaying his desperate prayers until news of Youssef's survival reached him.
"I was overjoyed; I broke down in tears," Hussam stated, revealing that he withheld details of the tragedy from Youssef's mother until he confirmed her son's safety. The fortunate diver is currently recuperating in a local hospital alongside other rescued survivors, with a total of 33 people saved out of the 44 onboard the ill-fated vessel.
As the Egyptian military leads the ongoing search and rescue efforts, additional poignant details surface regarding the ill-fated vessel's journey. The Sea Story had embarked on a five-day diving excursion the previous Sunday, but encountered perilous conditions overnight, prompting a swift sinking within mere minutes, according to the Red Sea governor, Maj-Gen Amr Hanafi.
Despite warnings from the Egyptian Meteorological Authority regarding unfavourable maritime conditions, authorities noted that the Sea Story held a valid safety certification and was not reported to have technical malfunctions.
The boat's passengers included tourists from various nations including Belgium, the UK, China, and others. Among those missing, reports indicate two Polish tourists. The UK Foreign Office has confirmed assistance for affected British nationals following this distressing event, while the Chinese embassy in Egypt reported that two of its citizens are safe after being rescued.
The region is a popular destination for diving and sea excursions, attracting visitors seeking to experience the breathtaking underwater beauty of the Red Sea. Amidst the tragedy, the community remains hopeful for the remaining individuals still unaccounted for as rescue operations persist.
