Rescuers have recovered four bodies and rescued four survivors a day after a diving boat capsized off Egypt’s eastern coast, leaving eight people still missing.

The “Sea Story” vessel, which was carrying 31 tourists and 13 crew members, was struck by a large wave early Monday morning near Marsa Alam in southeastern Egypt, causing it to sink within minutes.

Among the survivors were two Belgians, one Swiss national, and one Egyptian, Red Sea governor Amr Hanafi confirmed.

The total number of survivors from the tragedy now stands at 32, while authorities continue to search for the missing passengers. The identities of the four deceased have not yet been disclosed.

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Rescue operations are still ongoing, with a military helicopter, a frigate, and multiple divers supporting the efforts.

The boat had set out on a multi-day diving trip on Sunday and was scheduled to dock in Hurghada on Friday, 200 kilometers to the north.

When the wave struck, it left some passengers, including Europeans, Americans, and Chinese tourists, trapped in their cabins.

Military personnel, along with a passing tourist boat, rescued 28 people from the water on Monday.

Six tourists and three Egyptians were taken to a local hospital for minor injuries but were discharged later that day. The injured included nationals from Germany, Britain, Spain, and Switzerland.

The boat was carrying tourists from various countries, including Belgium, the United States, China, Finland, Poland, Spain, and others.

The missing individuals include two Polish and two Finnish nationals, according to their respective governments.

Initial investigations confirmed that the boat was fully licensed and had passed all safety checks prior to the trip, with no technical faults identified.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the capsizing, but early reports indicate that the large wave may have been a major contributing factor.

While the Red Sea remains a popular destination for tourists, this tragic accident has drawn attention to safety concerns in the region.

Despite robust regulations, incidents involving dive boats are not uncommon.

Earlier this year, similar accidents occurred in the region, though no fatalities were reported.

A jaw-dropping incident at Mile 2 in Lagos saw a man survive unscathed after a 40-foot container crashed onto his car.

This astonishing escape has been trending across social media platforms, sparking widespread awe and discussions about road safety.

Join the conversation and watch the incredible footage now here

A protest erupted in Ido-Osun, Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun State, on Tuesday, as residents condemned Governor Ademola Adeleke’s decision to relocate the M.K.O Abiola Airport project to his hometown, Ede.

The demonstrators accused the governor of nepotism and called for federal intervention to halt the move.

The protest followed an announcement by the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, that the foundation for a new airport in Ede would be laid during Adeleke’s second-anniversary celebrations.

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Ministers of Works and Aviation, David Umahi and Festus Keyamo, are expected to attend the event.

Protesters, led by the Eesa of Ido-Osun, Chief Oyewale Basiru, and former Osun State Assembly lawmaker Abiodun Awolola, gathered at the palace carrying placards with messages such as “Is Adeleke governor of Ede or Osun State?” and “We say no to favouritism.”

Awolola, speaking on behalf of the community, condemned the relocation, describing it as nepotistic and a betrayal of public trust.

“Removing the airport from its original location to Adeleke’s hometown will amount to nepotism and favoritism, which contradicts the democratic oath he swore as governor,” Awolola said.

He emphasized that over ₦20 billion had already been spent on the project by previous administrations.

“Adeleke made a promise to our late king to complete the project, but the reverse is now the case. This decision is unacceptable and unjust, as it undermines the rights and interests of the people of Ido-Osun.”

The community has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and halt the relocation, appealing to the federal government to prevent the planned foundation-laying ceremony in Ede.

Awolola warned of potential tensions between the Ido-Osun and Ede communities, which share a boundary.

“We urge the Osun State Government to reconsider this decision and maintain the original plan. Relocating the airport could lead to communal clashes. We have sufficient land for the airport here in Ido-Osun,” he added.

Government officials reportedly cited land encroachment as a reason for relocating the airport.

However, the protesters dismissed this claim, insisting that the project site in Ido-Osun remains viable.

“Citing encroachment lacks logic because the institution in question encroached on the land long before the airport plans began,” Awolola said.

The decision has sparked widespread criticism, with residents accusing the Adeleke administration of prioritizing personal interests over state development.