Nephew Rescued by Diver Amid Red Sea Boat Tragedy

Amidst a tragic boat capsizing incident in the Red Sea, diver Khattab al-Faramawy discovered his nephew Youssef alive and trapped. As rescue operations continue, several survivors have been located while authorities manage the search for missing passengers.

In a dramatic turn of events, an Egyptian diver, Khattab al-Faramawy, recounts the harrowing experience of rescuing his nephew Youssef from a capsized tourist boat that sank in the Red Sea. The Sea Story, which had set out for a five-day diving expedition, sank following rough waves near Marsa Alam on Monday, prompting an extensive rescue operation by local authorities.

On the third day of searching, rescuers confirmed spotting five survivors and recovering four bodies, but seven individuals remain unaccounted for. "We dived 12 meters under water – the survivors were trapped inside the boat cabins," Khattab stated in an interview. The survivors had endured more than 24 hours inside the submerged vessel, which sank rapidly after being hit by high waves.

Khattab detailed the challenging rescue conditions, emphasizing the difficulty of navigating the submerged vessel’s four decks in total darkness, often relying on torch lights to guide their way. "It was quite a complicated mission," he noted.

Finally, after persevering through the murky depths, the rescuers successfully managed to open cabin doors, bringing survivors, including Youssef, to safety. Youssef, aged 23, a diving instructor working aboard the ill-fated boat, found himself trapped while trying to assist passengers. His father, Hussam al-Faramawy, expressed immense relief upon learning that his son was safe, stating, "I could do nothing but pray to God to help my boy."

Youssef received immediate medical attention along with other survivors. Reports indicate that 33 out of the 44 individuals aboard the vessel have been rescued, with the search still ongoing for the missing. The Egyptian navy oversees the rescue operation while military officials have restricted the survivors’ interactions with the media for their privacy.

The local authorities have released videos showcasing the rescue efforts, capturing moments of relief as survivors were brought ashore, some still wrapped in blankets. One survivor expressed gratitude, saying he had been "shaking with cold" before his rescue.

Officials confirmed that the vessel was equipped with a valid safety certificate, with no mechanical issues reported prior to the incident. Notably, the Egyptian Meteorological Authority had cautioned against maritime activities due to anticipated high waves.

The boat had a diverse group of tourists, including individuals from several countries such as Belgium, the UK, China, and the US. The local council in Marsa Alam acknowledged that among the missing are two Polish tourists, while British officials stated they are assisting nationals and families affected by the incident.

As rescue efforts continue amidst this fishing tragedy, the spirit and resilience of those involved offer a glimmer of hope amid the unfolding grief.