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Oil rig tragedy off Egypt's Red Sea coast claims four lives, leaves four missing

Thursday 03 July 2025 - 10:50
Oil rig tragedy off Egypt's Red Sea coast claims four lives, leaves four missing
By: Dakir Madiha
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An oil rig sank off the Egyptian Red Sea coast late Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of four workers, with four others still unaccounted for. Authorities are investigating the cause of the incident, which has left several injured and sparked a search-and-rescue operation.

The ADMARINE12 oil rig, owned by Offshore Shukheir Oil Company (OSOCO), capsized in the Gabal al-Zeit area near Ras Ghareb in the Red Sea governorate. According to official reports, the rig was carrying 30 personnel at the time of the accident. Rescue teams recovered four bodies and transported 22 survivors for medical attention, while efforts to locate the missing workers are ongoing.

Red Sea Governor Amr Hefny confirmed that the deceased were transported to Hurghada General Hospital. He added that 18 injured workers were taken to Gouna Hospital, while four critically injured individuals were airlifted to specialized facilities.

The incident prompted quick action from Egyptian officials, with the petroleum and labor ministers visiting the site to oversee rescue operations. Emergency services responded immediately after receiving a distress call.

OSOCO, established in 1980, manages oil extraction in the Gulf of Suez under the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC). The rig was being operated by Saudi-based ADES Holding Company, which secured a 10-year contract to work in OSOCO fields in 2023.

Despite the tragedy, Osama Rabie, head of the Suez Canal Authority, reassured the public that shipping traffic in the canal, located 130 nautical miles from the accident site, remains unaffected.

As investigations continue, the focus remains on recovering the missing workers and determining the cause of the sinking.