Survivors of Red Sea Dive Boat Tragedy Speak Out Against Alleged Cover-Up

Survivors of the sinking of the dive boat Sea Story in the Red Sea have voiced serious accusations against the Egyptian authorities, claiming that they were coerced into signing official witness statements in Arabic without understanding their content. These statements were reportedly translated from English by an employee of the boat company Dive Pro Liveaboard, raising significant concerns about conflicts of interest.

The incident occurred on November 25 of the previous year, when the Sea Story sank with 46 individuals onboard, resulting in four confirmed fatalities and seven people still unaccounted for, including two British divers. The survivors, who provided testimony to the BBC, allege that investigators appeared intent on attributing the disaster to a massive wave, despite evidence to the contrary.

Shortly after their rescue, some survivors recall being subjected to intense questioning, even from their hospital beds. They reported feeling pressured to give statements under duress, with some stating they were told they could not leave until all statements were completed.

One Spanish diver noted that the interpreter did not initially disclose their association with the boat's operating company, leading to further doubts about the integrity of the investigation. A Norwegian survivor echoed this sentiment, uncertain about what she was signing, as the documents presented were in Arabic.

Survivors have also described attempts by the boat's representatives to persuade them to sign liability waivers, which stated they would not accuse anyone of wrongdoing. Many expressed anger and frustration over the situation, feeling that vital information regarding safety concerns on the vessel was omitted from their testimonies.

Investigations have drawn skepticism, particularly as some survivors feel that the authorities had already determined the cause to be a wave before gathering comprehensive evidence. They were discouraged from naming culprits, with one survivor arguing that naming an individual was unnecessary to establish accountability.

Additionally, concerns surrounding the boat industry’s safety practices have surfaced, with reports highlighting a lack of regulation and maintenance among dive vessels in Egypt. Calls for a transparent investigation persist, especially from families of those still missing, demanding accountability and truth to avoid future tragedies.