Medical staff and residents wait for possible survivors after the Sea Story cruise ship sank (Photo:EPA)

He added that search efforts were still ongoing for 17 missing people. The Sea Story, which departed from Porto Ghalib Port on Sunday and was scheduled to return to Hurghada Marina on November 29, was carrying 45 people, including 31 tourists and 14 crew. Local authorities reported a distress signal from the boat at 05:30 am local time during its diving trip.

Egyptian Navy destroyers and aircraft are searching for survivors in the sunken ship area, working with the Maritime Rescue Center and Red Sea authorities. Rescue planes have already taken some survivors to medical facilities for care.