British Couple Missing After Red Sea Tourist Boat Sinking
A British couple, Jenny Cawson, 36, and her husband Tariq Sinada, 49, from Devon, are among seven people still unaccounted for after the tourist boat Sea Story sank off the coast of Egypt early Monday. The incident has left their family in a state of desperation and uncertainty.
The Sea Story was carrying 31 passengers and 13 crew from various countries, including Belgium, Britain, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, and the US. The boat reportedly capsized after being hit by a large wave near Marsa Alam during stormy weather. So far, 33 people have been rescued, and four bodies have been recovered.
Jenny’s father, Michael Williams, described the moment he learned of the incident as surreal, saying, “We were just in disbelief, it’s one of those moments when the world stops.” The family is frustrated with the lack of information from the UK Foreign Office about the search and rescue operation.
Tariq’s mother initially informed the family about the boat’s sinking. Jenny’s mother, Pamela, noted that the couple, both experienced scuba divers, had contacted them upon arriving in the Red Sea. The family has been seeking information through local sources, even approaching hospitals in the area for potential leads.
Conflicting information has added to the family’s distress. They were initially told the boat had not been found, but later saw media reports suggesting it had been located by Egyptian rescuers. A diver reported significant challenges in accessing the submerged boat and rescuing survivors from cabin areas.
Egyptian authorities have been leading the rescue operations. The Red Sea governor has dismissed the possibility of a technical error, stating that the boat was safe and had passed all necessary checks. Survivors have been kept away from the press, with local authorities claiming they are in good condition.
The incident has raised concerns about potential impacts on the region’s tourism industry. The Red Sea is a popular destination for European tourists, known for its clear waters and marine life. The Sea Story was on a five-day trip from Marsa Alam to Hurghada, two famous resort areas.
Jenny, who works for the Devon Wildlife Trust, and Tariq, an IT professional, were described by her mother as meticulous travelers who always conduct thorough research before their trips. They had previously visited Egypt and enjoyed diving in various countries.
The family continues to wait for more information, with Michael Williams expressing frustration at the UK Foreign Office’s apparent inability to pressure Egyptian authorities for more details. As the search continues, the couple’s loved ones remain hopeful but increasingly anxious about their fate.
