Egyptian authorities say 17 individuals are lacking, together with foreigners, and 28 have been rescued after a vacationer boat sank within the Purple Sea.

A misery sign was acquired at 05:30 (03:30 GMT) from the Sea Story, which left port close to Marsa Alam on Saturday for a five-day diving journey with 31 vacationers and 14 crew, based on the governor of Purple Sea province.

Purple Sea Governor Maj-Gen Amr Hanafi mentioned the survivors have been discovered within the Wadi el-Gemal space, south of Marsa Alam, and that they have been receiving the mandatory medical care.

He added that the Egyptian Navy warship El Fateh and army plane have been intensifying their efforts to find the lacking.

“Intensive search operations are underway in coordination with the navy and the armed forces,” Hanafi mentioned.

Authorities haven’t indicated the potential reason for the incident.

On Saturday, the Egyptian Meteorological Authority forecasted turbulence on the Mediterranean and Purple Seas as a result of climate, and warned individuals in opposition to marine actions on Sunday and Monday.

Wind speeds have been between 60-70 km/h, and wave heights have been three to 4 metres excessive.

In line with the native council in Marsa Alam, the crew of the Sea Story are all Egyptians and the vacationers on board included 5 Spanish, 4 British, 4 Germans and two US nationals. It’s unclear who’s among the many rescued and who continues to be lacking.

A British Overseas Workplace spokesperson mentioned they have been involved with the authorities, and have been offering “assist to a variety of British nationals and their households following an incident in Egypt”.

Marsa Alam is a well-liked vacation spot for vacationers on Egypt’s southern Purple Coastline and is surrounded by diving spots, together with famend coral reefs.

There was no quick remark from Sea Story’s Egypt-based proprietor and operator, Dive Professional Liveaboard.

However its web site says the vessel was inbuilt 2022 and is 44m (144ft) lengthy. It has 4 decks and 18 cabins that may accommodate as much as 36 passengers.

Earlier this month, 30 individuals have been rescued after a dive boat sunk in Marsa Alam. There have been no fatalities.

Final 12 months, three British vacationers died after a fireplace broke out on their yacht.