Cairo: Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi held a virtual meeting with officials of ADES Holding Company and members of a fact-finding committee to address the aftermath of the oil-drilling barge Admarine 12 capsizing in the Gulf of Suez.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the incident occurred in the Gabal Al Zeit area at the entrance of the Gulf of Suez, resulting in four fatalities and leaving three workers missing. Fortunately, 23 crew members were rescued safely. The minister emphasized the need for intensified aerial and maritime search efforts for the missing crew in collaboration with relevant authorities.

The minister also ensured that necessary medical treatment would be provided for the injured. He affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the families of the deceased and the relatives of those missing.

Salah Abdel Kerim, Chairman of the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC), announced the formation of a specialized committee to investigate the incident. This committee will examine maintenance and operational protocols for the barge, verify compliance with technical standards, and gather testimonies from survivors.

An operations room has been set up in the Gulf of Suez to monitor the situation and implement urgent measures. The minister requested that the committee prepare an initial report on the incident’s circumstances and propose possible scenarios for addressing its consequences.