300-foot Cargo Ship Ran Aground & Spills Oil Off Popular Red Sea Tourist Town, El Quseir

A coastal freighter, VGS Glory, ran aground on a reef near El Quseir, Egypt, on November 22. The 300-foot cargo ship, en route from Yemen’s Hodeidah to Egypt’s Port Tawfiq, drifted and ran aground off the shore of the popular Red Sea tourist town.

According to AIS data, the vessel had been drifting slowly in the Red Sea for over a month, making erratic movements. It was carrying 4,000 tons of cargo, 70 tons of fuel oil and 50 tons of diesel.

Per HEPCA, a local environmental group, the engine room was flooded after the hull was damaged, dangerously tilting the vessel and leaking fuel.

Authorities confirmed that all 21 crew members from India, Egypt, Iraq, and Syria were safely evacuated without any injuries.

They were brought ashore in rubber boats and transferred to ambulances for health checks. However, the ship’s captain warned that the vessel is at risk of splitting in two due to extensive water ingress. He also said the crew had run out of fuel and food days before the rescue.

Efforts are being made to contain the oil spill. Responders have installed pollution control booms around the vessel, but strong winds have complicated the operation.

Per reports, some barriers may have broken, allowing oil to spread further into the sea and contaminating coral reefs near upscale resorts.

Egypt’s Environment Minister, Yasmine Fouad, visited the site and said a cleanup plan is being developed to protect the fragile marine ecosystem.

The area is known for its coral gardens and diving sites, making the situation alarming.

VSG Glory, built in 1994 and recently flagged under Comoros, has a history of safety violations. Inspectors have found over 200 deficiencies, including engine room oil leaks and poor maintenance.

Additionally, a tourist boat named Sea Story sank in the Red Sea on November 25, 2024. In the immediate aftermath, 16 people were confirmed missing, including 12 foreigners and 4 Egyptians, while 28 others were rescued.

The rescued members were found in the Wadi El Gemal area. The Egyptian Navy warship El Fateh assisted in the rescue operation. Later, four people were declared dead, and seven were confirmed missing after five people were rescued alive.

References: EgyptIndependent, Dive Magazine

Source: Maritime Shipping News