Our News

Misfortune at Sea

We are sad to report the distressing news concerning the accident that our mooring team had yesterday. A HEPCA mooring vessel on its way to Sha’ab El Erg to pursue a report about an environmental violation concerning illegal net fishing in the area and to reinstall the three mooring lines at the site capsized less than 2 km from the Sha’ab El Erg. The vessel capsized due to rough weather conditions that lead to the misdistribution of weights onboard. Two members of the HEPCA mooring team were injured, but their condition is stable. We would like to thank all the dive centres and safari boats that offered their help and resources; and especially one of HEPCA’s founding members, James and Mac who had a vessel onsite when the incident occurred and immediately went to the aid of our team, and sent out two additional vessels from port within minutes. The constant upkeep of the nearly 1,300 moorings in the Egyptian Red Sea is vital for the protection of our reefs; without the support of the diving community in the coming weeks this will be a serious blow to the conservation efforts. The vessel has been recovered and is back at its dock. A search and recovery expedition for the mooring power unit and several other pieces of equipment will be conducted during the next couple of days. We highly appreciate all the calls we have received asking about the injured members of our team, we hope that they will have a speedy recovery. We will keep you updated about their condition, and thank you for your support and kind wishes.