At least 16 tourists are missing after an Egyptian yacht carrying Americans sinks in high waves in the Red Sea.

On Monday, an Egyptian yacht carrying international tourists sank in the Red Sea, resulting in the disappearance of at least 16 individuals.

Thirteen crew members and thirty-one tourists were on the Sea Story when it sank near Marsa Alam, a resort town in southeastern Egypt, during a multi-day diving trip.

On Monday at 5:30 a.m., two American tourists were reportedly on board the Egyptian media outlet Al-Dostor, but it is unclear if they are among the missing.

The Red Sea Governorate informed the Naval Base and the Armed Forces immediately, and search and rescue teams began operations using a helicopter and a marine unit moving from Bernice Harbor towards the rescue site.

"The Egyptian Control Center and Operations Room remain vigilant, coordinating and monitoring around the clock to ensure all necessary actions are taken and the situation is reassured."

The search continues, and the official death toll has not been released yet.

Officials in Egypt stated that 28 individuals were saved, with only minor injuries such as scrapes and bruises reported, and no one required hospitalization.

The ship transported citizens of the U.S., Belgium, Spain, and Germany, as well as those from the United Kingdom, China, Finland, Ireland, Poland, Slovakia, and Switzerland. Among them were 12 foreign nationals who were missing.

Officials suspect that a massive wave capsized the vessel, which sank within five to seven minutes.

Red Sea Governor Amr Hanafi stated that some passengers were unable to escape because they were in their cabins.

The incident is being investigated by authorities. No further details are available.

Reuters contributed to this report.