Survivors of the tragic dive-boat sinking in the Red Sea are speaking out against pressures they faced to sign official witness statements in Arabic, a language some could not understand. The statements were purportedly translated from English by a representative of the boat's operating company, Dive Pro Liveaboard. Eyewitnesses, including Justin, Frøydis, and Lisa, assert that they were coerced into signing waivers absolving anyone of "criminal wrongdoing" after the Sea Story sank with 46 people aboard on November 25 last year, leading to four confirmed deaths and seven still unaccounted for.
The BBC has obtained testimonies from 11 survivors who contend that Egyptian authorities are attempting to subtly shift the blame towards natural elements such as a large wave instead of addressing apparent safety failings on the vessel. Following their rescue, survivors reported being subjected to "interrogations" that began while still hospitalized, as individuals claiming to be judges sought to gather statements without clear identification of their roles in the investigation.
Alarming reports indicate that statements were manipulated, with vital information about safety protocols omitted or altered after translation. For instance, a Norwegian investigator noted she was unaware of what the documents she signed contained, echoing the same sentiment shared among survivors who weathered severe trauma and just wanted to return home.
Despite the survivors’ insistence that sea conditions did not warrant the sinking, investigators seemed fixed on attributing responsibility to oceanic forces. Prominent oceanographers have suggested that the weather data contradicts the wave theory, reinforcing survivors' assertions that the tragedy could have been avoided through diligent safety measures.
Adding to their frustrations, survivors reported continuous attempts from Dive Pro Liveaboard representatives to compel them into signing liability waivers during critical moments post-rescue. Concerns have been raised regarding the integrity of the ongoing investigation, with fears that conclusions were pre-ordained.
Meanwhile, families of the two missing British nationals have also raised alarms over the insufficient communication from Egyptian authorities, who allegedly provided misleading updates about the rescue efforts. A previous incident involving another Dive Pro Liveaboard vessel, which resulted in a fatal fire, adds to the growing concerns over the regulation and safety of dive operations in the region.
A report from Maritime Survey International indicates grave safety deficiencies across the dive-boat industry in Egypt, emphasizing the urgency for comprehensive reforms to better protect both tourists and local divers alike.
