EGYPT – Deadly Red Sea Rig Disaster: 4 Confirmed Dead, 6 Still Missing

A tragic maritime accident in Egypt’s Red Sea waters has left four crew members dead and six others missing after the marine barge “Adam Marine 12” capsized near the Gabal El Zeit area on Tuesday the 1st of July.

Egypt’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources announced that it had received an urgent report from OSCO, the company operating the oil exploration and extraction barge. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening while the “Adam Marine 12” drilling rig was being towed by three marine vessels to the Ashrafi platform.

A total of 31 people — including technicians and operating crew — were on board when the rig sank. The Gulf of Suez Petroleum Company’s (GUPCO) marine tower picked up the initial distress signal and launched immediate rescue operations.

Egypt’s Petroleum Minister Karim Fouad and Labor Minister Mohamed Gebran traveled straight to the accident site, accompanied by ministry officials to inspect the situation firsthand, monitor the rescue work, and coordinate rapid response measures. The ministry confirmed it is working closely with local authorities and partner companies to manage the crisis and ensure all necessary actions are taken.

21 crew members have been rescued, though many suffered injuries such as fractures, bruises, and abrasions. The survivors were evacuated on different vessels: 20 were transported by the “Lord G,” while the rig supervisor, known as a “Rig Mover,” was rescued by the “Edco Rashid.”

Search and rescue operations were ongoing days after the accident. The bodies of the deceased were brought back to shore as GUPCO and other marine units continue to search for the six missing crew members.

Photo credit: Maritime Crimes. All rights reserved.