At least 31 tourists missing after boat sinks off coast of Egypt at Red Sea resort as massive rescue operation launched

A HUGE rescue mission has been launched after a boat carrying tourists is feared to have sunk in Egypt.

At least 45 people are missing after the Sea Story vessel disappeared in the Red Sea near Marsa Alam.

The boat left Porto Ghalib Port for a diving trip on November 24 and was due to return to Hurghada Marina on November 29.

But at about 5.30am local time, the vessel sent out a distress signal before dropping off the radar and losing contact.

The boat - carrying 31 tourists and 14 crew members - is missing and believed to have sunk in the Sha’ab Sataya area.

Authorities have deployed rescue teams as well as a helicopter.