Tragedy struck off the southern Red Sea resort town of Marsa Alam on Sunday when a scuba diving boat carrying 15 tourists and 12 crew members caught fire. The boat, named “Hurricane”, was on a six-day cruise and due back on Sunday when the blaze broke out while it was about 25km (16 miles) north of Marsa Alam. Twelve crew members and 12 British tourists were rescued, but three British nationals are still missing. The identities of the missing tourists have not been revealed. The Egyptian authorities have said that an electrical short circuit in the boat’s engine room sparked the blaze.
Uncommon in Egypt
Fatal boat accidents are uncommon in Egypt. In 2021, a boat capsized in a lake near Egypt’s Mediterranean city of Alexandria, leaving at least five people dead, including three children. In 1991, an Egyptian ferry named Salem Express – sailing from Saudi Arabia to Egypt – sank, killing as many as 471 people, mostly Muslim pilgrims.
Egypt’s Red Sea resorts harbour some of the country’s most renowned beach destinations and are popular with European holiday goers. The area has cemented its reputation as a dive destination with easy access to coral reefs from shores and dive sites offering diverse marine life.
Tourism Industry
In recent years, Egypt has gone to great lengths to bolster its tourism industry, hurt by years of political instability, COVID-19, and the negative economic effect of the war in Ukraine. Egypt’s tourism sector employs two million people and generates more than 10 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.
The country has been working hard to promote its tourism industry, which is a vital source of income for the country. The government has been investing heavily in infrastructure, such as airports and hotels, to attract more tourists. The country has also been working to improve its security situation to reassure tourists that it is safe to visit.
The government has also been promoting Egypt’s cultural heritage, such as the pyramids and the Sphinx, to attract more tourists. The country has a rich history and is home to many ancient sites that are of great interest to tourists.
British Nationals Missing
The three British nationals who are missing after the scuba diving boat caught fire off Egypt’s Red Sea coastline have not been identified. The British Foreign Office has said that it is in contact with the Egyptian authorities and is “supporting the British nationals involved”. The search for the missing tourists is ongoing.
The incident has highlighted the importance of safety measures when travelling abroad. Tourists should always check that the companies they are using are reputable and have a good safety record. They should also make sure that they have adequate travel insurance that covers them for any accidents or emergencies that may occur.
Conclusion
The scuba diving boat fire off Egypt’s Red Sea coastline is a tragic reminder of the importance of safety measures when travelling abroad. Fatal boat accidents are uncommon in Egypt, but tourists should always be aware of potential risks when travelling to foreign countries. The incident has also highlighted the importance of Egypt’s tourism industry, which is a vital source of income for the country. The government has been working hard to promote the industry and attract more tourists, and incidents like this can have a negative impact on the sector.