3 days ago
Search continues for 3 missing as Red Sea drilling rig disaster enters third day
Search and rescue efforts by specialized authorities and GUPCO teams continued for a third consecutive day in the waters of the Gulf of Suez, looking for three missing individuals from the Admarine 12 marine drilling rig.
The rig capsized during towing to a new site north of the Red Sea, and despite 72 hours of intense searching, no survivors have been found.
Amr Hanafy, Governor of the Red Sea, confirmed that the rig was in transit when the accident occurred in a vast and complex marine area.
He noted the incident unfolded in just a few minutes, making it difficult for those on board to react or evacuate in time.
Hanafy explained that specialized technical authorities are conducting an extensive investigation to determine the true causes of the accident, confirming that a dedicated committee has already begun its work and all relevant agencies continue to support the ongoing rescue and search operations.
Survivors recount moments of terror
During investigations, survivors recounted the terrifying moments they experienced, stating they were shocked by the rig's sudden sinking. 'We didn't expect to sink. Suddenly, the rig started to tilt, then capsize,' one survivor said. 'We found ourselves in the water within moments and held onto each other until GUPCO's rescue units arrived and pulled us from the sea.'
Another added, 'We were on our way to work on a marine platform north of the Red Sea, and everything was normal until the accident happened suddenly.'
Survivors mentioned that rescue units transferred them to nearby marine vessels and then to the port, where ambulances took them to hospitals for necessary treatment. They praised the quick response and professionalism of the rescue teams.
Victim identification and ongoing search
The Red Sea Prosecution, under the supervision of Chief Public Prosecutor Ahmed Abdel Mohsen, authorized the burial of four victims whose bodies were recovered from the accident site. This authorization came after the bodies were examined and handed over to their families for burial.
The Admarine 12 marine drilling rig, owned by ADES Holding, had 30 individuals on board at the time of the accident.
So far, 22 have been rescued, and four deaths have been confirmed, with search operations still ongoing for the remaining missing.
