In brief
In a dramatic rescue operation off the Egyptian coast, diver Khattab al-Faramawy found his nephew Youssef trapped but alive among the wreckage of a sunken tourist boat. Twelve survivors are accounted for, while search efforts continue for seven missing individuals.
In a heart-stopping account, Egyptian diver Khattab al-Faramawy recounted how he rescued his own nephew, Youssef, from a tourist boat that capsized in the Red Sea. The Sea Story boat had been carrying 44 people and sank on Monday after being struck by a large wave near Marsa Alam, leaving a tragic toll of four confirmed dead and seven missing.Al-Faramawy and fellow rescuers plunged into the depths of the ocean, diving up to 12 meters (40 feet) to reach the submerged vessel. Using flashlights to navigate through the pervasive darkness, they worked tirelessly to open cabin doors and extract survivors who had been trapped inside.Youssef, a 23-year-old diving instructor, had been attempting to help other passengers when he became locked in a cabin during the incident. His father, Hussam al-Faramawy, expressed his anguish and relief when he learned of his son’s survival. "I could do nothing but pray to God to help my boy, and thankfully his uncle finally saved him," he shared in an emotional interview.As rescue teams continued their efforts on Tuesday, they reported that a total of 33 people had been rescued, while the fate of those still missing remains uncertain. Among those unaccounted for are two British nationals, with officials confirming that the vessel, which was on a five-day diving excursion, had a valid safety certificate at the time of the incident.Witnesses recounted the treacherous conditions leading up to the capsizing, as the Egyptian Meteorological Authority had previously warned of high waves and unsuitable maritime activity. Video footage released by local authorities showed the survivors being brought ashore, many wrapped in blankets and receiving medical attention for exposure.Marsa Alam's thriving tourist industry depends heavily on diving tours and sea cruises, making this tragedy particularly impactful. Tourists from various countries, including Belgium, the UK, and the US, were aboard the ill-fated trip. As the rescue operations continue, the local community remains hopeful for the safe return of all individuals still missing.
