The survivors of a dive-boat accident in the Red Sea, which resulted in multiple fatalities, have made serious accusations against the Egyptian authorities, claiming a cover-up in the aftermath of the tragedy.

The survivors assert they were coerced into signing witness statements in Arabic—a language they did not understand—which had been translated from English by an employee of the dive company responsible for the vessel.

The incident involves the Sea Story, a boat that sank with 46 people on board in the early hours of November 25, last year.

Of those on the vessel, four bodies were recovered, while seven individuals remain missing, including two British divers.

Neither Egypt's government nor Dive Pro Liveaboard, the boat operators based in Hurghada, have responded to BBC requests for comment on the allegations.

Reports from 11 survivors indicate that they were intensely questioned shortly after their rescue.

Some were interrogated while still in hospital, while others, not requiring medical attention, faced similar scrutiny at a nearby resort.

Dr. Sarah Martin, a British NHS doctor among the survivors, described the experience as akin to an 'interrogation,' noting they were held until all statements were completed.

Survivors also expressed concern over the impartiality of the translation process.

An individual who initially concealed his employment with Dive Pro Liveaboard was tasked with translating witness testimonies.

This raised obvious concerns about conflict of interest among the survivors, such as Lisa Wolf, who questioned the legitimacy of their official statements.

Spanish diver Hissora Gonzalez admitted to feeling lost in the bureaucratic process, highlighting that survivors were unsure of what they were signing due to the language barrier.

This sentiment was echoed by Frøydis Adamson, a Norwegian police investigator, who noted significant discrepancies in translation and documentation.

Tensions further escalated when survivors were approached to sign waivers absolving any parties of criminal responsibility.

American diver Justin Hodges recounted receiving a 'release of liability document' alongside his witness statement, mistakenly believing he was dealing with an official rather than a company representative.

The survivors argue that vital safety failings were omitted from official records.

Concerns about the boat’s life rafts and general safety conditions were seemingly disregarded.

Efforts by Dive Pro Liveaboard to have survivors sign waivers persisted, according to Hodges, even as they departed for Cairo without their passports, lost amidst the chaos.

The survivors' plight underscores larger safety issues within the Red Sea diving industry.

A report by Maritime Survey International revealed troubling findings from their inspections of dive vessels in the area, citing inadequate safety and maintenance protocols.

The pressing calls for transparency and a thorough investigation are echoed by friends and family of the missing, including British citizens Jenny Cawson and Tarig Sinada.

Discontent with the Egyptian officials' handling of the situation, they demand accountability and clearer communication surrounding the tragic incident.

With another deadly incident involving a Dive Pro Liveaboard vessel just months later, the industry’s regulatory shortcomings have been cast into sharp relief.

The Chamber of Diving and Water Sports in Egypt has promised an investigation, yet survivors and victims' families remain adamant that true accountability is imperative for the safety of future divers.