Dozens missing after boat carrying 31 tourists sinks off coast of Egypt

31 tourists are missing after a boat sank off the coast of an Egyptian holiday hotspot.

The boat, reportedly called ‘Sea Story’, was carrying 45 passengers when it sank off the coast of Marsa Alam, on the Red Sea, around 5.30am.

The boat was taking tourists around the coast for a scuba diving trip when it issued a distress signal, before losing contact.

‘Sea Story’ left Porto Ghalib Port yesterday and was scheduled to return to Hurghada Marina on November 29, local media reported.

Search and rescue efforts are underway, with helicopters and a marine unit from Egypt’s Navy scouring the water for any survivors.