In Egypt, call 122 and ask for sea rescue. Second 24-hour line: JRCC Cairo, +20 2 2418 4537. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
Local language: Arabic. English is not confirmed by the source.
National emergency number
Source: www.redsea.gov.eg · authority’s own page · checked 14 October 2026 Official wording ▾
https://www.redsea.gov.eg/GuidesContent/89 (Red Sea Governorate, “أرقام الطوارئ / Emergency numbers”; data redsea.gov.eg/api/DirectoryAPI/GetDirectory, checked 2026-10-14) — “شرطة النجدة | Emergency Police | 122”, “الاسعاف | Ambulance | 123”; CDWS (Chamber of Diving and Water Sports, founded by the Ministry of Tourism) emergency plan for diving centres and safari boats, 20 Feb 2024 (cdwsstore.blob.core.windows.net/…/f8381_EmergencyContactsDiving&Safari&Snorkelling.pdf): “Police 122 Ambulance 123”
The Egyptian Meteorological Authority publishes a three-day Red Sea forecast and a Mediterranean forecast, with navigation conditions for both seas, on its website (archived copy; the live site did not respond).
web.archive.org (2026-10-14, archived): “يعرض هنا تنبؤ البحر الاحمر لمده ثلاثه ايام قادمه ان شاء الله”
web.archive.org (2026-10-14, archived): “يعرض هنا النشره الجويه ودرجات الحراره والرطوية النسبيه والملاحه علي البحرين الابيض والأحمر”
Official warnings
Egyptian authorities only start an air or sea rescue once payment is guaranteed, and it can cost more than US$4,000 per hour. Make sure your insurance or your dive or tour company covers it.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “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.”
There have been recent incidents, some fatal, involving British nationals on Red Sea diving boats. Safety standards of Red Sea dive operators and boats vary considerably.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “There have been recent incidents involving British nationals on diving boats/tours in the Red Sea. Some of these have included fatalities. Safety standards of Red Sea resort diving operators and boats vary considerably.”
UK government guidance for yachts: since January 2024 there has been military activity in response to Houthi attempts to stop shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Report your passage regularly to UKMTO, which runs 24 hours a day.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office · UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, intl): “Since January 2024 there has been military activity in response to Houthi militants’ attempts to prevent international shipping movements in the Red Sea.”
gov.uk (2026-10-14, intl): “Report journey information regularly to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the main contact for liaising with regional response organisations and military forces. It is available 24 hours a day”
In Egypt, call 122 and ask for sea rescue. Second 24-hour line: JRCC Cairo, +20 2 2418 4537. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
Does 112 work in Egypt?+
122 is the number the authorities in Egypt give for emergencies at sea. Many phones also pass 112 on, but we found no official confirmation for Egypt.
Which rescue centre is responsible for me?+
The one whose search-and-rescue area you are in — not the country of your SIM card. Near borders that can change during a trip; the VesselSOS app picks it from your GPS position.
Where do I get the marine weather forecast for Egypt?+
The Egyptian Meteorological Authority publishes a three-day Red Sea forecast and a Mediterranean forecast, with navigation conditions for both seas, on its website (archived copy; the live site did not respond).
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