The tragic sinking of the Sea Story in the Red Sea on November 25 last year remains etched in the memories of those who survived. What began as a six-day diving adventure aboard a luxury vessel turned into a desperate fight for survival, leaving 11 individuals dead or missing, including two Britons. Survivors have now come forward, challenging official narratives and revealing alarming safety failings that may have contributed to the disaster.
A Promising Start Turns Ominous
The Sea Story set sail from Port Ghaleb, Egypt, with 31 international guests, three dive guides, and 12 crew members. Many passengers, including Lucianna Galetta, initially admired the boat’s size and cleanliness. However, conditions began to raise concerns. Rough seas caused the boat to sway more than expected, and the atmosphere shifted from excitement to apprehension.
Dr. Sarah Martin, an NHS doctor from the UK, recalled how furniture slid dangerously across the deck. Despite guests’ concerns, the crew seemed dismissive. As night fell, unease grew.
The Night the Sea Story Sank
Just before 3:00 AM, disaster struck. The boat, battling rough waves, suddenly flipped onto its side with a deafening bang, plunging into darkness as the engines failed. Chaos erupted. Passengers were thrown from their beds, possessions blocked exits, and cries for help echoed through the sinking vessel.
“I didn’t sleep that night because the boat was rocking so much,” said Hissora Gonzalez, a diver from Spain. She described the terrifying moment the boat capsized, leaving her and others scrambling for survival.
Trapped in an Air Pocket
For Lucianna Galetta, the ordeal became a 35-hour nightmare. Trapped in an air pocket within the overturned hull, she clung to hope despite rising seawater and floating debris. A video she filmed with her phone’s light revealed the claustrophobic space she thought might become her tomb.
“By the end, I was just wondering how I would prefer to die,” Lucianna admitted, her voice cracking as she recounted the experience.
Raising Questions About the Cause
Egyptian authorities initially blamed a massive wave for the tragedy, but survivors and experts dispute this claim. Weather data and testimonies suggest the conditions, while challenging, were not extreme enough to topple the boat. Instead, survivors point to potential crew errors and structural issues with the Sea Story.
Footage captured before the incident shows crew members struggling to secure a small inflatable boat in what appeared to be moderate waves. Survivors noted the vessel seemed unusually unstable, even in manageable conditions.
A Slow Response and Alleged Negligence
Survivors have also criticized the response of Egyptian authorities and the company operating the vessel, Dive Pro Liveaboard. They allege delayed rescue efforts and inadequate safety measures on board. These oversights, they believe, cost lives.
Despite repeated inquiries, Dive Pro Liveaboard and the Egyptian government have yet to provide answers.
A Tale of Survival and Tragedy
The Sea Story disaster highlights the fragility of human life against nature’s forces and the dire consequences of potential negligence. While survivors recount their harrowing escapes, families of the missing and deceased continue to seek justice and accountability.
For Lucianna, Sarah, Hissora, and others, the memory of that night remains a haunting reminder of how quickly an adventure can turn into a nightmare.
As investigations continue, their voices serve as a call for stricter safety standards and accountability in the global diving and tourism industry.
