Unknown Sea Story lob sinks

[BoltSnap]

Well, one of the problems common in authoritarian regimes is that it's a lot easier to just shove problems under the rug. I'd be curious to know if the recent spate of accidents has impacted liveaboard revenue; if the money isn't drying up then "do nothing" might be the default option.

While it might be possible to hide issues with local implications, the same cannot be done when dealing with foreign tourists, especially when such matters are broadcasted to foreign media. In such cases, inaction can be highly destructive to the industry that generates significant foreign currency for their economy. I am still perplexed by their apparent lack of action.

 

[Biotech Diver]

This article has a lot of good details. From the article, it says about 2 feet of the boat remained above water and that the people rescued from inside the boat were at a depth of about 40 feet (12 meters). An oceanographer doubts it was a wave big enough to sink the boat.

Egypt tourist boat latest: Two Britons believed to be survivors pictured as search for seven missing continues

Two Britons are still unaccounted for after a yacht sunk in the Red Sea near Egypt

uk.news.yahoo.com

 

[Bookworm11]

This sinking and all the others are precisely why I changed my mind about booking a liveaboard and instead booked diving from dive shops in Sharm and Dahab instead. I have no interest in sacrificing safety to dive, even if it means missing some of the best dive sites.

 

[Searcaigh]

I am hoping that some positive changes will happen following this incident.

It should start with booking companies based in countries where safety is respected and expected. If they stop booking divers on Egyptian LOBs until there is some compliance to specific International standards then perhaps the CWDS will look up and notice, but that may take some time, and of course who doesn't like a bargain, 7-day trip for $1,200 is difficult to refuse, but in Egypt it's a game of Russian Roulette these days.

I've been living in the Middle East for over 38 years and some things don't move fast, corners are always cut to save money or divert money to make things legal. Not saying this doesn't happen in Europe or North America, I'm sure it does too, but I'm not holding my breath that any action will be taken soon unless people stop booking these floating coffins.

 

[ontdiver]

While it might be possible to hide issues with local implications, the same cannot be done when dealing with foreign tourists, especially when such matters are broadcasted to foreign media. In such cases, inaction can be highly destructive to the industry that generates significant foreign currency for their economy. I am still perplexed by their apparent lack of action.

I suspect that like in most countries, those entities in Egypt responsible for inspection and enforcement are understaffed and under funded. As a result, enforcement is likely complaint driven. While some operators loose their license, one presumes that re-licensing may involve a simple administrative process including a fine. Who knows.

It also bears mentioning that the Egyptian economy is struggling and their currency seems to take a hit on a fairly regular basis. This most certainly has to translate into increased costs for every aspect of maintaining a boat.

While it is easy to demonize operators, most probably would not have planned for a rogue wave. Perhaps someone will come up with AI model to see what exactly happened and why.

 

[BoltSnap]

It should start with booking companies based in countries where safety is respected and expected. If they stop booking divers on Egyptian LOBs until there is some compliance to specific International standards then perhaps the CWDS will look up and notice

You are 100% correct. The powers that be in Egypt will notice and take swift action if this happens.

 

[Dan]

I suspect that like in most countries, those entities in Egypt responsible for inspection and enforcement are understaffed and under funded. As a result, enforcement is likely complaint driven

It’s reflected in the price for a week of diving on such luxuriously looking boat. We would pay at least twice as much if it were in Maldives or Indonesia.

 

[ontdiver]

Keep in mind that European divers probably outnumber North Americans by a significant margin on Egyptian LOBs. Positive change will only come about by a coordinated effort.

 

[Phil111]

This sinking and all the others are precisely why I changed my mind about booking a liveaboard and instead booked diving from dive shops in Sharm and Dahab instead. I have no interest in sacrificing safety to dive, even if it means missing some of the best dive sites.

You Sir are the exception. People forget, people are cheap and try to save money, Egyptians need jobs and the income that diving brings.

The divers in these forums that dig into the details of this might change how they approach safety on LOBs. But 90 % or more won't be aware of the situation and most won't think about it.

 

[Umuntu]

Are these LOB “accidents” widely reported in US mainstream news ?

Most divers are not on Scubaboard.