4 dead, 6 missing, 21 rescued after offshore barge capsizes in Gulf of Suez

Dubai: At least four people have died and six remain missing after a marine barge linked to an offshore oil operation capsized in the Gulf of Suez, Egypt’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources confirmed late Tuesday.

The barge, identified as Adam Marine 12, was reportedly part of an oil rig support operation and sank while being towed in the Jabal Zeyt area, according to a statement from the ministry. Twenty-one crew members were rescued, while search efforts for the remaining individuals are ongoing.

“We received a report from the Offshore Shukheir Oil Company (OSOCO) regarding the capsizing of its offshore barge Adam Marine 12,” the ministry said, adding that emergency teams were dispatched immediately. “We are following developments moment by moment, coordinating with relevant agencies and affiliated companies in the region,” the ministry’s statement added.

Local media reports also confirmed the casualties and the ongoing recovery mission. The barge was supporting offshore oil drilling operations at the time of the incident.

Authorities have not yet released details about the nationalities of the victims or the cause of the capsizing.