Red Sea Governorate released a statement Monday stating that 28 Egyptians were rescued after a tourist vessel sank near the Red Sea coast. The search for the remaining 17 passengers and crew members continues.

According to a statement from the governorate, the boat Sea Story was carrying 45 passengers, including 31 tourists with different nationalities, and 14 crew members, on a multiday diving trip near the coastal city of Marsa Alam.

A government source confirmed that Egyptian frigates and aircraft searched the area in an attempt to find the missing. However, by 5:00 pm (1500 GMT), the search was halted for the evening.

The governorate reported that a distress signal was received by the governorate at 5:30 am (0330 GMT). It also said that the boat left Porto Ghalib, Marsa Alam, on Sunday with plans to return Hurghada Marina in November 29.

Pawel Wronski, spokesperson for the Polish Foreign Ministry, told the state news agency PAP two of the passengers may be Polish citizens.

Egypt's tourism industry is vital and the Red Sea is an important diving destination. It is known for its corals reefs, marine life and other underwater features.

Hanafi stated that the boat most likely sank close to the Sataya Reef without providing any further information.

In a press release, the Egyptian Red Sea Ports Authority stated that it had shut down maritime traffic on Sunday afternoon when the wind reached 34 knots. The wave height was also 3-4 meters (10-13 feet).

It is the second time in this year that a boat has sunk in the same region. The Environment Ministry reported that a boat had sunk in June after being severely damaged by strong waves. No injuries were reported. Reporting by Mohamed Ezz and Ahmed Mohamed Hassan; Alan Charlish; writing by Mohamed Ezz. Editing by Mark Heinrich and Alex Richardson.

(source: Reuters)