NORTHERN RED SEA COAST OF EGYPT (HURGHADA, GIFTUN ISLANDS, EL GOUNA, SAFAGA)

Hurghada / Red Sea: boating safety

Last verified:

Hurghada, on Egypt's Red Sea coast, is a major base for dive boats, liveaboards, day boats and yachts. Trips typically head to the Giftun islands and the reefs of the northern Red Sea.

LIFE IN DANGER AT SEA
Call 122
Call 122 and ask for sea rescue. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF 16, or DSC on channel 70.

Egypt: all rescue numbers → On the rescue map → Print an emergency card →

Weather

The Egyptian Meteorological Authority publishes a Red Sea forecast and weather warnings (website in Arabic; checked via an archived copy because the live site could not be reached).

Egyptian Meteorological Authority (الهيئة العامة للأرصاد الجوية) ▾
web.archive.org (2026-10-14): “تنبؤ البحر الاحمر”

Hazards

Air or sea rescue can cost more than US$4,000 an hour, and the Egyptian authorities start a rescue only once payment is guaranteed. Make sure your insurance (or the dive/tour company) covers rescue costs.

UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14): “Make sure your travel insurance, or the tour or dive company, will cover the costs for any air or sea rescue, which can cost more than 4,000 US dollars per hour. The Egyptian authorities will only start rescue operations when they are guaranteed payment.”

Safety standards of Red Sea dive boats and operators vary a lot, and there have been fatal incidents. Book through reputable operators and ask the crew for a full safety briefing before departure.

UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office · UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14): “Safety standards of Red Sea resort diving operators and boats vary considerably. Some operators may not provide adequate safety and insurance standards.”
gov.uk (2026-10-14): “On arrival on board, customers should request that the crew provide a thorough safety briefing before departure.”

Shark attacks are rare, but tourists have been attacked in the Red Sea region. Follow updates from the local authorities or your operator.

UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14): “Shark attacks are rare, but there have been attacks on tourists in the Red Sea region. Monitor any updates from local authorities or your tour operator.”

Hospital and medical

Government hospitals in Hurghada on the UK government's list of medical facilities: General Hospital Hurghada (065 3546740) and Red Sea Hospital (065 3544850). Safaga General Hospital is 065 3251549.

UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office · UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office · UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14): “General Hospital Hurghada 065 3546740 Government”
gov.uk (2026-10-14): “Red Sea Hospital 065 3544850 Government”
gov.uk (2026-10-14): “General Hospital Safaga 065 3251549 Government”

Frequently asked

Who do I call in an emergency at sea near Hurghada / Red Sea?

Call 122 and ask for sea rescue. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.

Where do I get the marine forecast for Hurghada / Red Sea?

The Egyptian Meteorological Authority publishes a Red Sea forecast and weather warnings (website in Arabic; checked via an archived copy because the live site could not be reached).

Read before you sail

Cold water shock and hypothermia: what to doPerson overboard: what to doEngine failure: what to do when you lose power

Nearby destinations

Limassol 448 nmGöcek / Fethiye 622 nmMarmaris 643 nmBodrum 672 nmCyclades (Paros / Mykonos) 739 nmCorfu GreeceMalta MaltaDubai United Arab Emirates

Local rules change. Spotted something out of date? support@vesselsos.com