A ship capsized in the Gulf of Suez, killing at least four people and leaving four others missing. Twenty-two of the 30 workers on board were rescued. The incident, involving the Admarine 12 oil-drilling vessel, occurred near Egypt’s Gabal El-Zeit area but did not affect Suez Canal traffic. Rescue efforts are ongoing, and an investigation is underway.

A tragic maritime accident occurred in the Gulf of Suez, where a ship capsized, resulting in the deaths of at least four individuals, with four others still unaccounted for, according to Egyptian authorities on Wednesday.

Reports referencing the Saudi Arabian owner of the vessel, ADES Holding Company, confirmed the incident. However, the company stated that only three people were believed to be missing, suggesting a discrepancy in the reported figures.

The Associated Press (AP) news agency quoted the governor of Egypt’s Red Sea province, Amr Hanafy, who disclosed that the vessel was carrying 30 workers at the time it capsized. Hanafy noted that rescue operations led to the recovery of four bodies, while 22 individuals were rescued and subsequently transported to a hospital for medical attention.

The Egyptian navy deployed vessels to support ongoing search and rescue operations in the area. The precise cause of the capsize remains uncertain, but local media outlets have reported that the vessel was being towed for excavation work in another location when it unexpectedly overturned.

On Tuesday, Egypt’s petroleum ministry issued a statement indicating that Offshore Shukheir Oil Co. (OSOCO), an oil and gas production company, had reported the incident. According to the ministry, the ship capsized near the Gabal El-Zeit area along the Red Sea coastline.

In a statement meant to allay concerns about global maritime logistics, the Suez Canal Authority clarified that the incident involved the Admarine 12 oil-drilling ship and occurred approximately 130 nautical miles from the southern entrance of the Suez Canal. The authority emphasized that the incident had no impact on navigation within the strategically vital shipping lane.

ADES, the company that owns the vessel, confirmed that three of its employees and one contractor lost their lives in the accident. It also said that search efforts for the remaining three missing individuals were ongoing.

"The company is working closely with local authorities and emergency services, with the safety and well-being of all personnel remaining its highest priority," ADES stated. "A full and thorough investigation into the incident will be conducted."