A boat carrying 31 tourists and 14 crew members sank off the coast of the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Marsa Alam, local media reported Monday. Twenty-eight people were rescued, but 17 were missing, including one of Swiss nationality.
Two Swiss citizens were among the passengers, said the DFA and the region’s governor, Major General Amr Hanafi. One of these people was able to be saved and is unhurt. The second is still missing, the DFA said mid-afternoon on Monday.
The Swiss representation in Cairo was in contact with the competent authorities and the people concerned. It provides them with support within the framework of consular protection. For reasons of data and personal protection, the FDFA does not provide any further information.
Cruising and diving
Other European tourists, including four Germans, Chinese, Americans and Egyptians were also on board.
Emergency services received an emergency call around 5:30 a.m. Monday (4:30 a.m. Swiss). The rescue operation, carried out in collaboration with the Egyptian navy, continues.
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According to the Egyptian daily Youm7, the “Sea Story” left Marsa Alam on Sunday with divers on board for a several-day journey to Hurghada, a seaside resort located further north in the country.
A flagship tourist destination
The Red Sea, one of the main tourist destinations in Egypt, attracts millions of visitors every year.
The tourism sector, crucial for this country of 105 million inhabitants in the midst of an economic crisis, employs around two million people and contributes to more than 10% of its GDP.
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Swiss
