Holidaymakers set to enjoy a sunshine break in Egypt this spring are being alerted to the potential dangers of booking certain boat tours during their stay.
The Foreign Office has issued a warning to travellers over various tourist vessels taking them on outings, after reports of several incidents involving British nationals, resulting in death in some cases. The warning relates to what are known as ‘liveaboard’ vessels, operating in the Red Sea, which are designed specifically to allow tourists to dive direct into the ocean, reports The Express.
They often also host guests overnight or for extended periods. Precise details of the sea tour incidents involving British holidaymakers have not been given but are said to involve different types of boats.
So, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch of the Department for Transport – MAIB -is urging holidaymakers to book only through reputable vendors, to ensure stringent safety standards are in place. They should also demand that crew members deliver a comprehensive safety briefing before setting off.
This guidance follows an announcement by MAIB earlier this month about the growing number of fatalities associated with Egyptian liveaboard dive boats. Andrew Moll, chief inspector of marine accidents, said: “The MAIB is aware of 16 accidents that have occurred over the last five years involving liveaboard dive vessels operating in the Red Sea.
“It is deeply regrettable that a number of these accidents have resulted in the loss of life and our thoughts are with all those affected. While MAIB does not have the jurisdiction to investigate accidents involving non-UK flagged vessels operating within the territorial waters of another coastal state, we have made the appropriate authorities aware of our national interest and offered every assistance with any safety investigation they conduct.”
He added: “Our safety bulletin provides important guidance to those intending to stay on liveaboard vessels. It is important to remember that such vessels are unlikely to be built, maintained, equipped and operated to the standard of similar vessels in the UK and we urge the exercise of extreme caution when choosing a boat.”
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has also issued holiday safety advice, saying that 30% of drowning-related incidents overseas result from accidents when swimming, largely linked to strong currents and riptides in open water. Information about water activity safety abroad can be found here.
The Foreign Office also shares suggestions for how to keep safe in the water abroad. Here are some of its tips:
- Do not dive or snorkel without a dive buddy or guide
- Observe safety standards on board and always exercise caution
- Check the weather and stay alert to changes
- Do not dive below your insurance policy’s depth limit – doing so will invalidate your cover
- Make bookings through your tour representative or reputable operator if possible
View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/travel-tourism/foreign-office-issues-travel-warning-31111210
