it’s reported that the capsize was sudden and people were unable to get out of their quarters. Two Britons among 16 missing after tourist yacht sinks in Red Sea
Unknown Sea Story lob sinks
- Thread starter chillyinCanada
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Sure Squintsalot
Contributor
When I asked a local dive captain out of Safaga why he didn't have any navigation equipment on his boat, beyond a semi-operational compass, he told me that the Egyptian military imposes severe restrictions on navigation technology available to day boats. They're not even allowed to go out at night without a lengthy permitting process that's usually reserved for a few fishing boats. That means no radar, no GPS, no radio, not even a depth finder. Navigation was strictly line-of-sight; which probably worked fine for most of their routine day outings. Rough water or a sudden squall would definitely raise the chances of hitting a reef.
The next time you find yourself in Port Ghalib or Hurghada, walk the docks and look at the minimalist tech that festoons the tops of the upper decks. I've seen more nav equipment on basic 30' American sportfishing boats than I've seen on any of the 20 or so Red Sea LOBs I've looked at. Might the military drive the electronics aspect of safety on these boats?
As for construction standards for these LOBs, I seriously doubt any of these boats were ever purpose-built for dive operations.....weekend parties some distance into a harbor? Sure. But no one in their right mind would design a dive boat to look like any of these things. I feel bad for the crews on these liveaboards. They bust their asses to be the positive face of these operations yet they're given the crappiest tools.
The next time you find yourself in Port Ghalib or Hurghada, walk the docks and look at the minimalist tech that festoons the tops of the upper decks. I've seen more nav equipment on basic 30' American sportfishing boats than I've seen on any of the 20 or so Red Sea LOBs I've looked at. Might the military drive the electronics aspect of safety on these boats?
As for construction standards for these LOBs, I seriously doubt any of these boats were ever purpose-built for dive operations.....weekend parties some distance into a harbor? Sure. But no one in their right mind would design a dive boat to look like any of these things. I feel bad for the crews on these liveaboards. They bust their asses to be the positive face of these operations yet they're given the crappiest tools.
That's a pretty high dollar boat that went down. It sort of reminds me of something that happened in Sicily recently. It seems that spending a lot of money doesn't necessarily guarantee your safety at sea these days.
Russjstewart
Contributor
According to MY Sea Story Liveaboard - Luxury Red Sea Diving | No Troubles Just Bubbles
Sea Story has a jacuzzi on the top deck, if that was not empty it would not do much for stability, no info on how big.
Wooden construction, 44 metres long 9 metres beam.
Sea Story has a jacuzzi on the top deck, if that was not empty it would not do much for stability, no info on how big.
Wooden construction, 44 metres long 9 metres beam.
scubajasonr
Contributor
The jacuzzi would probably have been empty. I have been on a couple of boats with a jacuzzi and it has always been empty when sailing. At this time of year it is also unlikely to be used when moored as they are normally filled with unheated sea water.
I have been on numerous Red Sea liveaboards and have been avoiding these newer 'luxury looking' boats, partly due to my concerns after going on Sea Legend ia couple of years ago (which was run by the same operator as Sea Story). While Safaga has a very long history of building sea going vessels, I am really not sure what expertise there is in the design of these newer style boats. As a few people have mentioned the beam to height proportions just look wrong, and in my experience the general fit out is just for show rather than safety and performance.
I have been on numerous Red Sea liveaboards and have been avoiding these newer 'luxury looking' boats, partly due to my concerns after going on Sea Legend ia couple of years ago (which was run by the same operator as Sea Story). While Safaga has a very long history of building sea going vessels, I am really not sure what expertise there is in the design of these newer style boats. As a few people have mentioned the beam to height proportions just look wrong, and in my experience the general fit out is just for show rather than safety and performance.
OP
Update
www.bbc.com
Red Sea sinking: Five survivors found in second day of search
Seven people remain unaccounted for after a tourist boat sank on Monday after leaving the Egyptian port of Marsa Alam.
www.bbc.com
I’m not sure a crew’s dedication to safety can compensate for a poorly-designed vessel, unless that safety includes the captain’s prudent judgment about weather conditions and sea state when they are likely to exceed the vessel’s seaworthiness.
I can’t say I’m an expert but risk assessment in northeast Africa, the Arabian peninsula and up into the Levant region is different than in the conglomeration of Western countries.
What a nightmare for those who had just started a dream vacation.
Heartbreaking.
This site shows amazing photos of the interior
www.notroublesjustbubbles.com
However it's certainly lacking in the safety aspect of the vessel.
MY Sea Story Liveaboard - Luxury Red Sea Diving | No Troubles Just Bubbles
Embark on a luxurious Red Sea diving adventure aboard MY Sea Story. Enjoy spacious cabins, a Jacuzzi, sauna, free Nitrox, and explore top dive sites like Ras Mohamed, Thistlegorm Wreck, and Abu Nuhas. Book your diving trip with No Troubles Just Bubbles today!
www.notroublesjustbubbles.com
However it's certainly lacking in the safety aspect of the vessel.
This huge boat is 44 metres long and 9 metres wide. Unlike most other red Sea diving liveaboards, Sea Story has an extra deck of air-conditioned communal areas and guest cabins. It doesn't follow the standard format that most other boats do, and that gives you more space to relax on board, plus larger cabins.
From the eSysman YouTube channel
The Egyptians have their own version of building control for vessels. Basically, if if floats, its a boat. if it sinks, its a dive site
The Egyptians have their own version of building control for vessels. Basically, if if floats, its a boat. if it sinks, its a dive site
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