Survivors Recall Harrowing 35 Hours Trapped After Red Sea Dive Boat Capsizes

In a terrifying ordeal, Lucianna Galetta and 34 other survivors were trapped for 35 hours in a dark air pocket of the Sea Story, an Egyptian dive boat that sank in the Red Sea on November 25. Galetta's recount of her experience illustrates the chaos and fear aboard the vessel, which capsized after reportedly being struck by a large wave, a claim disputed by multiple survivors and experts.

The Sea Story was carrying 31 international guests and 12 crew members on a six-day diving trip when it capsized in rough seas. Despite mechanical and human error being cited as potential causes for the tragedy, Egyptian authorities initially attributed the sinking to a wave that some survivor accounts have called into question.

Survivors described a frantic escape as the boat rolled sharply in the night. Many were thrown from their beds, while others battled against floating debris to find exits. Sarah Martin, an NHS doctor, remembered the disorientation caused by plunging into total darkness. Many had difficulty locating life jackets, and safety equipment—including life rafts—were found lacking in supplies and functionality.

As rescue efforts were delayed for hours, Galetta and her partner were eventually located by divers after spending more than a day in an air pocket. The sinking has drawn attention to the safety measures aboard similar vessels and raised questions about the response time from Egyptian authorities, with survivors suggesting that slow action may have cost lives.

Despite the desperate circumstances, Galetta stressed the need for answers and accountability, noting the tragedy's lasting impact on the victims’ families and the diving community. An investigation is ongoing, but the precise causes behind the Sea Story’s disastrous end remain under scrutiny.