Gulf of Suez Disaster: Jackup Barge Capsizes, Killing Four and Injuring 22 in Tragic Incident
A somber cloud hangs over Egypt's vital maritime industry following a tragic incident in the Gulf of Suez on Tuesday night, July 1, 2025. A jackup barge, identified as the Admarine 12, capsized, resulting in the confirmed deaths of four individuals and injuries to 22 others. The Egyptian government swiftly confirmed the casualties on Wednesday, as an urgent investigation was launched to determine the cause of the sudden and devastating sinking.
The incident occurred in the Gebel El-Zeit area, a significant Egyptian oil production hub located approximately 300 kilometers (190 miles) south of the Suez Canal, off the coastal city of Ras Ghareb on the African side of the Gulf.
Rescue Operations Amidst the Chaos
According to Egypt's Health Ministry, the Admarine 12, a 1966-built jackup barge owned by Saudi oil and gas driller ADES, capsized while it was being towed to a new operational site. At the time of the incident, 30 personnel were on board, including 18 employees of ADES and other contracted third-party personnel.
Fatalities: Four brave crew members lost their lives. Three were ADES employees, and one was contracted personnel. Their bodies have been recovered and transported to Hurghada hospital on the Red Sea coast.
Injuries: A total of 22 individuals sustained injuries. Four required urgent medical attention and were airlifted to hospitals, while 18 others were transported by ambulance to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
Initial Missing Reports: While initial reports from ADES indicated three personnel were missing, active search and rescue operations, including assistance from Egyptian navy ships, ultimately accounted for all onboard.
Survivors: In a testament to the swift emergency response, 23 people were safely rescued from the capsized vessel.
Crucially, authorities confirmed that the incident did not disrupt traffic through the Suez Canal, the critical global waterway connecting Europe and Asia, according to Admiral Ossam Rabei, head of the Suez Canal Authority.
Investigation Underway: Unraveling the Cause
The precise cause of the capsizing remains under intense investigation. Egypt's Petroleum Ministry was promptly notified of the incident by the Offshore Shukheir Oil Company (Osoco), which had contracted ADES for drilling operations in the area. Local media reports speculate that the rig, reportedly en route to the Ashrafieh platform to develop a new gas field, may have experienced a technical malfunction during the towing process, leading to a rapid imbalance and capsizing within minutes. Circulating videos grimly depict the rig now fully inverted in the water.
ADES has issued a statement expressing its "deepest condolences and sincere support to the families and colleagues of those affected by this tragic incident."
Maritime Safety Under the Spotlight
The Gulf of Suez is a vital waterway for Egypt's oil and gas sector, making maritime safety a paramount concern for Egyptian authorities. The region is overseen by a technologically advanced Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS), designed to mitigate risks in adherence to international standards, utilizing radar, CCTV, VHF radiotelephony, and AIS to monitor vessel movements.
Despite these advanced safety measures, maritime incidents can and do occur. This latest tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with offshore operations and marine transport, particularly during complex maneuvers like towing. The ongoing investigation will be critical in piecing together the exact sequence of events that led to the capsizing of the Admarine 12, and in identifying any lessons to be learned to enhance safety protocols and prevent similar devastating occurrences in the future.
