In brief
Jenny Cawson and Tariq Sinada were among seven unaccounted for following the sinking of the Sea Story.
The family of Jenny Cawson, 36, and her husband Tariq Sinada, 49, from Devon, have expressed their "desperation" as they await updates on their missing loved ones, following the sinking of a tourist boat in the Red Sea. The couple is believed to be among several individuals still missing after the Sea Story capsized near Marsa Alam amidst rough weather conditions early on Monday. In an emotional recounting, Jenny’s father, Michael Williams, shared with the BBC how he learned of the tragedy, stating, "We were just in disbelief, it’s one of those moments when the world stops." Concerns have been raised about the lack of information from the UK Foreign Office, which has acknowledged its efforts to support affected families but has only provided minimal updates regarding the search and rescue operation led by Egyptian authorities.The Sea Story, which had been on a cruise with 31 passengers and 13 crew members, was reportedly struck by a massive wave during a storm, leading to its capsizing. Among the passengers were tourists from various countries including Belgium, China, and the US. As of now, thirty-three people have been rescued, and four bodies have been recovered.Pamela, Jenny's mother, recounted the terrible moment she found out the boat was sunk by a message from Tariq's mother, revealing the tragic news. The family have since turned to local contacts in Egypt for further information, and while they were informed that the boat was not initially located, they later learned it had been found. Despite ongoing rescue operations, critical questions remain regarding the circumstances of the incident. The Egyptian authorities have ruled out technical failure and emphasized the boat’s safety ahead of its trip. Jenny and Tariq, both seasoned divers with prior experience visiting Egypt, have made the trip multiple times, which adds to the family's concern and pain during this trying time.Michael highlighted the family's efforts to receive timely information, expressing astonishment that the British Foreign Office has not exerted more pressure for updates. As the ongoing search efforts continue, there are growing worries regarding the potential impact on the region's tourism industry, which significantly relies on sea cruises and diving excursions. The family remains hopeful for positive news, reflecting on Jenny and Tariq’s thoughtful planning style when it comes to travel.
