Details are emerging of a Red Sea liveaboard, the MV Carlton Queen, having capsized in the northern Red Sea near Sha’ab Abu Nuhas. There are not thought to be any serious injuries to its passengers or crew.
The vessel is believed to have capsized en route to the Sinai Peninsula, following dives on the SS Carnatic the day before, and a dive on the Giannis D on the morning of the accident.
According to reports, the Carlton Queen – launched in 2022 and only undertaking its second voyage – had a noticeable list from the very beginning of the trip. In calms seas and clement weather, the list grew while the boat was turning, resulting in it toppling over and coming to rest at the surface, floating on its starboard side.
Guests on board were reportedly evacuated safely, with some taken to hospital with minor injuries. Most of the passenger’s personal belongings and dive gear remain on board the vessel.
According to a Facebook post from Egypt’s Chamber of Diving Tourism and Maritime Activities (CDWS) , the Carlton Queen’s passengers were rescued by the crew of the nearby liveaboard VIP Shorouk.
‘The CDWS would like to extend its sincere thanks and praise to the great efforts done by the crew of Vip Shrouq Liveaboard for their quick and professional rescue and assistance to the tourists and the crew members on board the capsized boat on Monday the 24th of April 2023.
‘Thanks to their efforts and collaboration with the Egyptian Navy they managed to save and help the entire tourists and crew members [sic] from the capsized boat.’
In a post on the Carlton Fleet’s Facebook page, a representative of the operator says that they are assisting the passengers in the aftermath of the accident, and are arranging an alternative boat for upcoming bookings.
‘The worst that can happen to a boat and liveaboard operator happened two days ago,’ reads the statement. ‘Our newly built “Queen” has sunk in the northern Red Sea.
‘First of all, it should be mentioned that all guests & crew members arrived safely on land and no one suffered serious injuries. Our office reacted quickly and accommodated all guests directly in an all-inclusive hotel. Now we are organizing the application for new passports with the corresponding embassies so that they can travel safe back to their country.
‘A further and detailed statement on the accident will follow once we have investigated all the causes and had discussions with the crew, the police and the coast guard.’
A report on German magazine Taucher.net says that the passengers consisted of 3 Germans, 15 Englishmen, Swiss and Belgians. One couple on board was on honeymoon, the wife was a non-diver.
This is a breaking news story, we will update with details when we receive them…
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