Disaster off Egypt’s Gulf: Fatal Oil Barge Capsize Jolts Offshore Sector

four oil workers dead, several others unaccounted for

A tragic maritime accident in Egypt’s Gulf of Suez has left at least four oil workers dead and several others unaccounted for after the capsizing of the oil-drilling barge Adam Marine 12.

The disaster occurred on the night of Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in the Gebel el-Zeit region, a significant oil production area located about 300 kilometers south of the Suez Canal, according to statements from Egyptian authorities.

The Adam Marine 12, operated by the Offshore Shukheir Oil Company (Osoco), was being towed to a new drilling site when it overturned.

Egyptian media reports indicate that the barge was part of an oil rig support operation and was en route to the Ashrafi platform when the incident took place.

There were 31 people on board at the time, including crew members and technicians.

Casualties and Rescue Operations

The Egyptian Ministry of Health confirmed that four bodies have been recovered and transported to Hurghada hospital on the Red Sea coast.

In addition to the fatalities, 22 individuals sustained injuries of varying severity, including fractures, abrasions, and bruises.

Four of the injured were airlifted to hospital facilities, while 18 others were transported by ambulance for further treatment.

Rescue operations commenced immediately following the accident.

Twenty-one crew members have been rescued so far, among them the rig supervisor, who was saved by a marine unit named “Edco Rashid.”

The majority of survivors were brought to shore by the vessel “Lord G”.

Teams from the Egyptian navy joined the search-and-rescue efforts, which continued through the night in hopes of locating the remaining missing crew members.

Initial reports varied regarding the number of missing, most official statements as of Wednesday morning indicate that at least four individuals remain unaccounted for.

On the other hand, some sources suggest the number could be as high as six.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources emphasized that it is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with relevant authorities and affiliated companies to ensure all necessary measures are taken.

Government Response and Site Visits

In the aftermath of the incident, Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Karim Badawi, and Minister of Labor, Mohamed Jibran, traveled to the accident site to oversee the response and visit survivors at El Gouna hospital in Hurghada.

They were accompanied by Red Sea Governor Amr Hanafi, who confirmed the navy’s involvement in the ongoing search operations.

The Ministry of Petroleum released images of the officials visiting the injured and assured the public that the government is providing all available support to the victims and their families.

The ministry also stated that it is working closely with the Offshore Shukheir Oil Company and other stakeholders to investigate the cause of the capsizing and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Impact on Maritime Traffic and Oil Operations

The Gebel el-Zeit area, where the accident occurred, is a major hub for Egypt’s oil production activities.

However, officials from the Suez Canal Authority have stated that the incident is not expected to disrupt maritime traffic through the Suez Canal.

This, they say, is because it occurred outside the main shipping route.

The Suez Canal remains a vital artery for global trade, handling about 10 percent of worldwide maritime commerce.

The Adam Marine 12 was reportedly operating under a concession owned by the offshore drilling service provider ADES.

ADES had contracted Osoco for drilling operations in the region. As of Wednesday, ADES had not issued a public statement regarding the incident.

Ongoing Investigation

The precise cause of the capsizing remains under investigation.

While local media suggest that the barge was being towed for repositioning when it overturned, authorities have not released an official explanation.

The Ministry of Petroleum has pledged to conduct a thorough inquiry in coordination with all relevant agencies.

As rescue teams continue their search for the missing crew members, the incident has cast a spotlight on the safety protocols governing offshore oil operations in Egypt’s Red Sea region.

The government’s immediate response and the deployment of search-and-rescue resources underscore the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the disaster.

The tragedy at Gebel el-Zeit serves as a somber reminder of the dangers faced by those working in the offshore oil industry.

It also highlights the critical importance of maritime safety measures in one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook