The aftermath of a tragic dive-boat incident in the Red Sea has left survivors alleging coercion and deceptive practices by authorities. Survivors of the Sea Story, a vessel that sank in the early hours of November 25, last year, detailing their traumatic experiences, express concerns over the investigations. With 46 people on board, the incident resulted in the recovery of four bodies and still leaves seven individuals unaccounted for, including two British divers.
According to these survivors, they were pressured into signing official witness statements in Arabic—an unfamiliar language for them—allegedly translated from English by an employee of Dive Pro Liveaboard, the boat company. They reported feeling cornered to sign waivers absolving anyone of potential "criminal wrongdoing." Survivors conveyed frustrations to the BBC, claiming that investigators were dismissively suggesting that the sinking was due to a massive wave, contrary to their own recollections of the weather conditions at the time.
Survivors recounted being interrogated shortly after reaching shore, with many undergoing questioning while recovering in hospital. Testimonies reveal that individuals were often coerced into completing statements, under the impression that they were dealing with legitimate investigators. They were alarmed to learn that those running the investigations had direct ties to the boat operator.
Hissora Gonzalez, one of the divers rescued, expressed her concerns over the reliability of the translations. She recounted: “They could have written anything. I don’t know what I signed,” highlighting the confusing nature of the situation. Furthermore, survivors reported that crucial details about the vessel's safety and condition were omitted from their statements, despite vocalizing these concerns during interviews.
Suspicion also surrounds the investigators' inclination to mishandle the narrative regarding the cause of the sinking. Hissora noted her belief that the authorities had preemptively blamed the tragedy on natural causes without fully examining evidence. "The only one responsible is the sea," was the answer she received when questioning the investigation's integrity.
Amidst the chaos, Dive Pro Liveaboard representatives were accused of pushing survivors to agree on liability waivers, further fueling frustration among those who felt manipulated in their vulnerable state. One survivor indicated that the company attempted to have them sign release documents while they were trying to leave, under the guise of necessary departure clearance paperwork.
The two unidentified British tourists remain missing, prompting their families and friends to express their skepticism about the information provided by the Egyptian government. They are demanding a transparent investigation, feeling the current efforts are undermined to protect the tourism industry. An independent report on dive boat safety in the region stated alarming conclusions around the industry’s lack of stringent regulations, as many vessels operate without adequate safety protocols.
The unfortunate incident has drawn a sharp public eye on the practices of Dive Pro Liveaboard and the regulatory oversight of the Egyptian diving industry, critical points summarized by survivors who aim for accountability and safety for all future diving endeavors.
According to these survivors, they were pressured into signing official witness statements in Arabic—an unfamiliar language for them—allegedly translated from English by an employee of Dive Pro Liveaboard, the boat company. They reported feeling cornered to sign waivers absolving anyone of potential "criminal wrongdoing." Survivors conveyed frustrations to the BBC, claiming that investigators were dismissively suggesting that the sinking was due to a massive wave, contrary to their own recollections of the weather conditions at the time.
Survivors recounted being interrogated shortly after reaching shore, with many undergoing questioning while recovering in hospital. Testimonies reveal that individuals were often coerced into completing statements, under the impression that they were dealing with legitimate investigators. They were alarmed to learn that those running the investigations had direct ties to the boat operator.
Hissora Gonzalez, one of the divers rescued, expressed her concerns over the reliability of the translations. She recounted: “They could have written anything. I don’t know what I signed,” highlighting the confusing nature of the situation. Furthermore, survivors reported that crucial details about the vessel's safety and condition were omitted from their statements, despite vocalizing these concerns during interviews.
Suspicion also surrounds the investigators' inclination to mishandle the narrative regarding the cause of the sinking. Hissora noted her belief that the authorities had preemptively blamed the tragedy on natural causes without fully examining evidence. "The only one responsible is the sea," was the answer she received when questioning the investigation's integrity.
Amidst the chaos, Dive Pro Liveaboard representatives were accused of pushing survivors to agree on liability waivers, further fueling frustration among those who felt manipulated in their vulnerable state. One survivor indicated that the company attempted to have them sign release documents while they were trying to leave, under the guise of necessary departure clearance paperwork.
The two unidentified British tourists remain missing, prompting their families and friends to express their skepticism about the information provided by the Egyptian government. They are demanding a transparent investigation, feeling the current efforts are undermined to protect the tourism industry. An independent report on dive boat safety in the region stated alarming conclusions around the industry’s lack of stringent regulations, as many vessels operate without adequate safety protocols.
The unfortunate incident has drawn a sharp public eye on the practices of Dive Pro Liveaboard and the regulatory oversight of the Egyptian diving industry, critical points summarized by survivors who aim for accountability and safety for all future diving endeavors.
