Four Britons are among at least 17 people missing after a tourist yacht sank in the Red Sea off Egypt.
The Sea Story sank south of the coastal town of Marsa Alam on Monday morning, according to Egyptian officials.
The governor of the Red Sea region, Amr Hanafy, said rescuers saved 28 people, and some were airlifted for medical treatment. He said 31 tourists of various nationalities were on board along with 14 crew.
A spokesperson for travel trade organisation Abta said: “We have been in contact with our members to see if they had any customers on the ship affected by this incident.”
Shortly before dawn on Monday, the governorate received a report of a distress call made from the boat, which had left Marsa Alam for a five-day journey.
It was not clear what caused the wooden-hulled motor yacht to sink. According to its maker’s website, Sea Story was built in 2022 and can hold 36 passengers.
The Egyptian military is co-ordinating rescue operations with the governorate.
The Foreign Office said consular support was being provided to “a number of British nationals and their families”.
The yacht was operated by Dive Pro Liveaboard, which is based in the Egyptian resort of Hurghada.
The company said it has no information on the matter.
The Egyptian Meteorological Authority warned of high waves on the Red Sea and advised against maritime activity on Sunday and Monday.
Previous to the disaster, many tourist companies had already stopped or limited travelling on the Red Sea due to the dangers from conflicts in the region.