The boat, carrying dozens of tourists and crew members, was "hit by a wave in the middle of the night," according to officials, who confirmed that 28 people were rescued.

Three bodies were recovered on Tuesday morning from a tourist boat that capsized off Egypt’s Red Sea coast. Rescue teams are continuing to search for 13 missing individuals, according to Red Sea provincial governor Amr Hanafi.

The boat, named Sea Story, capsized on Monday near the Sataya Reef while carrying 31 tourists and 13 crew members on a multi-day diving trip. High waves caused the vessel to sink within 5-7 minutes, as reported by Reuters. A statement from the Red Sea Governorate on Monday indicated that 16 passengers were believed to have been trapped inside.

A total of 28 survivors were rescued with minor injuries, none of which required hospitalization. Survivors are currently being accommodated in a hotel in Marsa Alam, with authorities collaborating with embassies and consulates to provide necessary assistance and documentation.

The boat had passed its last safety inspection in March 2024, with no technical issues identified. Measuring 34 meters in length, it was owned by an Egyptian national and had received a one-year safety certificate from the Maritime Safety Authority.

The incident took place amid rough weather conditions, with wave heights reported at 3-4 meters (10-13 feet) and wind speeds reaching 34 knots on Sunday, prompting the Egyptian Red Sea Ports Authority to close maritime traffic in the area.

This marks the second sinking of a boat in the region this year. In June, another vessel suffered severe damage due to strong waves, though no casualties were recorded.

The Red Sea, famous for its vibrant coral reefs and marine life, remains a significant destination for Egypt's tourism industry, a crucial component of the national economy.