Kategorie: News
Well-known safari boat runs aground on reef off Abu Dabbab
The Royal Evolution, a well-known safari boat, ran aground on a reef off Abu Dabbab on the first day (Friday, October 24) of a new tour from Port Ghalib. The steel ship is currently stuck on Block 4 off Abu Dabbab.
Several ships, including the Extradivers day boat, the safari boat MY Antares, and the diving.DE speedboat, are on site to provide rapid assistance. In addition, Bluewater Safari ships are also in the immediate vicinity to intervene quickly if necessary. Wind conditions on site are calm.
According to statements from several sources, all passengers and crew members are still on board the Royal Evolution. There appears to be no danger of the ship sinking. However, it is stuck on the reef and cannot be freed either under its own power or with the help of other ships. To the best of our knowledge, the Royal Evolution currently has no leaks or damage to its hull. The Evolution is sitting on the reef with its keel.
The problem, however, is the increasing ebb tide: the tide will be at its highest between 8 and 10 p.m., and it is hoped that the ship will be free by then.
No injuries on the Royal Evolution
There are no injuries on the Royal Evolution. However, a helper from another boat was slightly injured by the rope while attempting to secure the Royal Evolution.
The diving.DE team brought the injured helper ashore by speedboat and he is now on his way to the hospital... fortunately, the injury is not serious. All other rescue workers on site are uninjured!
We will keep you informed of further developments as soon as we receive new information. The most important thing, however, is that the Royal Evolution has no leaks and everyone on board is uninjured.
Yasser Elmoafi, managing director of Red Sea Paradise for Cruises S.A.E., the operator of the Royal Evolution, told us: "This morning, the keel of the boat touched the Abu Dabab Four Reef without causing any damage. The hull did not touch the reef, only the keel of the ship is sitting on the reef. The team and guests have inspected the keel of the boat. We are just waiting for the tide to come in, then the boat will be back at normal level and able to continue its journey. The boat will be back in the water by 9:00 p.m. (when the tide comes in) at the latest. Everything is under control and safe."
Update October 25, 2025
Contrary to yesterday's plan, the Royal Evolution was unable to “free” itself from the reef even at high tide and is still stuck on Block 4 off Abu Dabbab. All guests were transported to Abu Dabbab and accommodated at the Abu Dabbab Lodge.
In the meantime, attempts to get the Royal Evolution off the reef are continuing. We will keep you updated with further information as soon as it becomes available.
A current statement from the Royal Evolution was delivered to us this morning: “Following our previous update, we would like to inform you that we have decided it was most appropriate to accommodate all our guests at Abu Dabab Hotel last evening. In the meantime, we are collaborating with a team of specialized marine experts to ensure the proper and safe salvaging of the vessel, which is taking place today. This process is being carried out with the utmost care to minimize any potential impact on both the reef and the boat. We are pleased to confirm that all guests, their belongings, and the crew remain safe and well.”
Update October 26, 2025
Even on day 3 after the Royal Evolution ran aground on block 4 of the Abu Dabbab reef, the ship remains stuck. All attempts to free the Royal Evolution have failed so far. It is planned that a military tugboat will pull the Royal Evolution off the reef. The tugboat, which departed from Berenice, is currently on standby nearby. Military divers recently assessed the situation on site – underwater – in order to better coordinate the salvage attempt. The divers began their mission from Abu Dabbab Bay. The area is currently cordoned off and the civilian ships that were still on site to provide assistance have departed. We will post further information here as soon as it becomes available.
We have received a statement from one of the passengers, Jörg F., who was on board: “Confirmed, we were rescued from it around 8pm (Editor's note: on October 24) by the Red Sea Explorer and taken to land. Diesel was leaking into the lower decks for most of the day. Multiple attempts to tow it off the reef during the day failed.”
Since the accident occurred on the very first day of the tour, the Royal Evolution's diesel tanks are still full. That means there are several tens of thousands of liters of diesel on board. We can only hope that the salvage operation will be carried out with the necessary care and with consideration for the irreplaceable reef landscape; an accident or hull breach of the Royal Evolution would be an incredible disaster. The extent of the damage to the reef roof is not yet known. Contrary to the Royal Evolution's initial reports, however, it is a fact that the ship has been stuck for days, the collision was probably quite severe, and the damage is likely to be quite extensive.
Update October 27, 2025
On the morning of October 27, the Royal Evolution was towed free from the reef at Abu Dabbab Block No. 4. The safari ship had been stuck on the reef top since Friday (October 24, 2025). The exact details of the operation are not known at this time. What is certain is that the Royal Evolution is now free and no longer stuck on the reef top. The video linked here shows the Royal Evolution floating freely on its own, without tugs; the military has left Abu Dabbab. Since being towed free this morning, repair work has been underway on site. Attempts are being made to “fix” the Royal Evolution for the voyage to Port Safaga. The ship is therefore still floating freely near block no. 4 of Abu Dabbab. No further information is currently available.
At this point, nothing is known about the damage to the reef or the possible damage to the Royal Evolution or the exact repairs needed. However, it is important to note that today's action prevented further massive danger and damage to the reef from the leaking diesel tanks.
Video of the Royal Evolution after being towed free:
https://youtube.com/shorts/XH7P80OMJt0
More information will follow as soon as it becomes available.
The ship: Royal Evolution
With a length of 39 meters / 130 feet and a width of 8.6 meters / 28.6 feet, this steel monohull cruises the Red Sea at up to 13 knots. The ship offers accommodation for 24 passengers in 2 double and 10 twin cabins. A team of 17 crew members is on board.
Powered by two 1100 hp Cummins engines, combined with a fuel capacity of 40,000 liters, the Royal Evolution has a long range of two thousand nautical miles with a 10% reserve and also sails from Port Ghalib to Sudan.
More information:
Royal Evolution on Taucher.Net