���˿���

Sally Nabil
���˿��� Arabic correspondent, reporting from Egypt

One more person has been found alive as rescue and search operations continue in the Red Sea.

A Swiss national was rescued, according to the governor of the Red Sea.

Earlier in the day, three people have been found alive (two Belgians and an Egyptian), while four bodies have been recovered.

The number of survivors now rises to 32.

The Egyptian Armed Forces are continuing to search the Red Sea for the nine people who are still missing.

As we reported earlier, the Red Sea governor gave an update saying:

• 35 people has been taken out of the water during the search and rescue mission
• 31 of those were alive, and four dead bodies were recovered

Image source, Egyptian Armed Forces

Image source, Egyptian Armed Forces

Image source, Egyptian Armed Forces

Sally Nabil
���˿��� Arabic correspondent, reporting from Egypt

Image source, Getty Images

While rescue and search operations continue in the Red Sea to try and find those missing, people here in Hurghada, a famous tourist destination, are worried about their livelihoods.

Such a tragic incident could have serious repercussions on the tourism industry, a lifeline to an ailing Egyptian economy.

They are worried tourists might get discouraged to go on diving trips, a popular activity here.

Winter is a busy season for Egyptian Red Sea resorts, known for their sunny weather, clear waters and magnificent coral reefs and many European tourists come here to dive.

When a boat, carrying more than 30 tourists, sinks off the coast of a resort like Marsa Alam, you’d expect continuous news updates about the rescue and search operations.

But the Egyptian authorities usually tread very cautiously when releasing public statements regarding an incident, that might bring about economic damage - the last thing Egypt needs at the moment.

This could be partly why officials prefer to give broad lines, rather than go into specific details.

Besides, it’s the army in charge here. The navy has been taking the lead in the rescue operations, so that would mean an extra level of caution.

The Irish national who was on the tourist boat that sank in the Red Sea near Egypt is "OK", Ireland's foreign affairs minister Micheál Martin says.

Martin provided this update to reporters in Dublin this morning. "My understanding is that Irish citizen is OK and receiving consular assistance from the Department of Foreign Affairs," he says.

According to the Red Sea governor, 31 people have been rescued so far.

Four dead bodies have been recovered from the water, and nine people are still missing.

Caroline Hawley
Diplomatic correspondent

I’ve had no luck reaching the company that operates the Sea Story – Dive Pro Liveaboard.

According to their website the four-deck yacht – which is 44 metres long - was built in 2022 and has 18 twin cabins with en suite bathrooms, as well as a separate restaurant.

The Egyptian authorities say 44 people were on board when it capsized yesterday morning, after warnings about bad weather.

The governor of the Red Sea area, Amr Hanafi, said some were unable to escape from their cabins.

So far, survivors have not been speaking publicly.

Caroline Hawley
Diplomatic correspondent

There’s been no further update from the Foreign Office on the British nationals who were on board the Sea Story.

But I understand that the two who were among the 28 people rescued yesterday are safe and well.

Two others are still missing, as the search and rescue operation continues.

Sally Nabil
���˿��� Arabic correspondent, reporting from Egypt

Three people - two Belgians and an Egyptian - have been found alive while four bodies have been recovered, the governor of the Red Sea has announced.

Sally Nabil
���˿��� Arabic correspondent, reporting from Egypt

Trips like the one the boat had are very popular in the Red Sea.

This particular trip set sail from Marsa Alam and was meant to end here in Hurghada, where I am.

It was supposed to last five days, but after just a few hours, a distress call was issued, asking for emergency assistance.

The Red Sea area is a favourite destination for European tourists, especially for diving, enjoying the clear waters, warm weather, and colourful coral reefs.

This incident might have a negative impact on the tourism industry in this country, which is a lifeline for the Egyptian economy, already in a difficult situation.

After this incident, we’re unsure if tourists will be put off, but those working in the industry are certainly worried about their livelihoods.

Sally Nabil
���˿��� Arabic correspondent, reporting from Egypt

Image source, EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock

Generally speaking, the information is being given out very carefully by the authorities.

Firstly, because it is the army who is in charge of the rescue operation, and they are usually very cautious when it comes to releasing information or public statements.

Secondly, this incident has a very negative effect on the tourism industry in Egypt, especially here on the Red Sea shores, and this is the high season for this area of the country.

This is why the authorities are treading very carefully when it comes to reporting on this incident.

What we understand so far is that the rescue and search operations are still ongoing.

It’s the navy who’s taking the lead here; they have dispatched ships and a couple of helicopters.

The survivors are understood to be in good condition. They only have bruises and very minor wounds.

As far as we know, the search operation has not been concluded yet, and whether or not they will be able to find anybody remains to be seen.

As the search continues, here is what we know so far about the people who were on board the Sea Story.

The ���˿��� understands two of those missing are British.

Finland said one of its nationals was unaccounted for, while authorities say four Egyptians are also missing.

The crew of the Sea Story are all Egyptians, according to the local council in Marsa Alam.

The tourists on board included five Spanish, four British, four Germans and two US nationals.

The Red Sea governor said there was also an Irish person on board the ship, but it is not known if they are among the missing.

The Chinese embassy in Egypt confirmed two of its nationals were rescued and “in good health”.

As we've reported, three bodies have reportedly been recovered from the Sea Story, which sank in the Red Sea on Monday.

There were 44 people on board - 31 tourists, and 13 crew members. This video shows some of the 28 people who were rescued on Monday coming to shore.

With news of three bodies recovered this morning, it means 13 people are still missing.

Three bodies have been recovered from the capsized tourist boat in the Red Sea, Reuters news agency reports, quoting the Red Sea governor Amr Hanafi.

As a reminder, 28 people were rescued after the boat sank, with 16 missing.

The Sea Story tourist boat made a distress call before dawn on Monday.

Amr Hanafi, governor of the Red Sea region, said that according to those on board, a "high sea wave" hit the boat and caused it to capsize in "about five or seven minutes".

Some passengers were inside their cabins, "which is why they couldn't get out".

The Egyptian Meteorological Authority warned of high waves on the Red Sea and advised against maritime activity on Sunday and Monday.

Wind speeds were between 37-43 mph (60-70 kmph) and wave heights were three to four metres (10-13ft) high.

Image source, Red Sea governate

Welcome to our live coverage, as the search resumes for 16 people who have been missing in the Red Sea since their tourist boat sank on Monday.

In total, 44 people were on the Sea Story, and 28 have been rescued. Two of the missing are British, the ���˿��� understands.

The Sea Story left port near the eastern town of Marsa Alam on Sunday for a five-day diving trip. It's thought it may have sank after being hit by a large wave.

With our team in Egypt, we'll have all the latest news on this page, so stay with us.