CAIRO, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- A Comoros-flagged cargo ship began sinking near coral reefs off the coast of Quseir city in Egypt's Red Sea Governorate on Monday, according to the Egyptian Ministry of Environment.
The vessel, VSG Glory, carrying 4,000 tons of bran, 70 tons of diesel, and 50 tons of solar equipment, was en route from Yemen to Port Tawfiq in Suez when it ran aground. All 21 crew members were safely evacuated and are currently being questioned by Egyptian authorities.
Strong winds, high waves, and a technical malfunction caused the ship to lose control and collide with the reef, resulting in a 60-centimeter crack in its hull, according to the ministry.
It added that seawater flooded the engine room, and diesel fuel began leaking into the surrounding waters, posing a threat to the delicate coral ecosystem.
Despite efforts to save the vessel, it ultimately capsized and sank due to the extensive damage and worsening weather conditions, according to the statement. ■