English 
Spanish 
4 min read
0 comments
A 90-meter ship has run aground, causing a fuel leak that is threatening marine life and coral reefs near the accident area.
Recently, two serious maritime incidents in the Red Sea have caught the attention of authorities and experts. Both incidents, which occurred close to the Egyptian coast, have exposed challenges related to maritime safety and environmental impact. See all the details of the fuel leak that caused major concerns.
VSG Glory grounding and fuel leak
On November 22, 2024, the general cargo ship VSG Glory ran aground near the city of El Quseir, Egypt. The incident was caused by a combination adverse weather conditions and a technical failure. Strong winds and high waves caused the ship to lose control and collide with a coral reef.
The vessel was carrying 4.000 tons of bran, 50 tons of solar oil and 70 tons of diesel. There were also 21 passengers on board. The impact caused a 60-centimeter fracture in the hull, allowing seawater to flood the engine room. This resulted in a small oil spill that reached the surrounding waters.
- China's BYD stuns the world with the LARGEST car transport SHIP ever built: Monstrous 9.200-vehicle capacity revolutionizes the global auto market
- China shocks the world by building two gigantic cruise ships in record time, challenging Europe
- Discover the largest and most powerful diesel engine in the world, with an incredible 110.000 HP and 775.376 mkgf of torque, and discover its entire history!
- Brazilian naval sector breaks record with R$31 billion in investments in 2024 and registers highest value in 12 years
Efforts to contain fuel spill
Authorities reacted quickly to prevent further damage. A containment operation was launched, using 200 meters of rubber booms and 100 meters of oil-absorbing booms. The priority was to prevent the spill from spreading and causing further damage to the ecosystem.
However, weather conditions remained challenging. Strong winds pushed some barriers onto the beach, increasing the difficulty of containment efforts. Local residents reported the return of the smell of oil and visible signs of contamination in the area.
The VSG Glory, which was already listing, began to take a turn for the worse. Sounds of friction between the vessel and the reef were heard, causing additional concern about the possibility of further damage. structural.
Sea Story tourist boat wreck
Just three days after the VSG Glory incident, on November 25, the tourist boat Sea Story sank near Marsa Alam, also in the Red Sea. The boat was on a six-day diving expedition, departing from Port Ghalib and returning to Hurghada.
There were 45 people on board, including 31 tourists of various nationalities and 14 Egyptian crew members. The weather conditions, again unfavorable, played a crucial role in the accident. Winds of 34 knots and waves of up to four meters made it impossible for the vessel to withstand the bad weather.
Despite adverse conditions, the voyage had begun, even though the Red Sea Port Authority issued warnings and suspended maritime traffic due to the weather.
Rescue operations
Rescue operations were intense. Helicopters and an Egyptian Navy frigate were mobilized to rescue the victims. Of the 45 occupants, 28 were rescued alive, while 17 were initially reported missing. Four bodies were later recovered, reducing the number of missing people to seven.
The survivors were taken to hospitals for medical evaluation. Among them were tourists from countries such as Germany, the United States, Ireland, Norway, Spain, China and others. The search for the missing continues, with redoubled efforts to find signs of life or locate the remaining bodies.
Environmental and human impacts
Both incidents have raised environmental and human concerns. In the case of the VSG Glory, the oil spill threatens the region’s rich biodiversity, including coral reefs that play a vital role in the local ecosystem. In the case of the Sea Story, in addition to the loss of human life, there is the risk of pollution from the wreckage and possible waste released into the sea.
Environmental authorities have stepped up monitoring and containment measures to minimize damage. However, recovery of affected ecosystems could take months or even years.
Lessons and future measures
The incidents highlight the importance of respecting weather conditions and the warnings issued by authorities. They also reinforce the need for reviews of maritime safety protocols, especially in regions as sensitive as the Red Sea.
As investigations continue, experts say more effective preventive measures are urgently needed. Improving communication between crews and authorities, as well as monitoring weather conditions more closely, are essential steps to prevent future tragedies.
The international community is closely awaiting developments and the actions of the Egyptian government. Ensuring the safety of maritime operations and protecting the environment are challenges that require immediate and long-term solutions.
