Sailing Zataravideo
Here’s WHAT REALLY HAPPENED in Egypt (never-before-seen footage) Ep 233
6 April 2023 · 18 min · 537K views · Türkiye
Crew unloading nets from small boat beside catamaran in Egypt
What this video covers
Keith Whitaker, speaking from an anchorage in Kas, Turkey, recounts two to three months cruising Egypt's Gulf of Aqaba and Sinai coast aboard Zatara, describing daily harassment by Egyptian Navy, Coast Guard, and police who repeatedly demanded papers, detained the crew for up to an hour at a time, and failed to coordinate with each other on permissions.5:29 After Zatara posted footage of a shakedown attempt, word reached Cairo and authorities along the Sinai coast were reportedly ordered to find the boat, seize it, or make the crew's lives miserable.8:39 At Dahab, Keith feared losing the boat and possible imprisonment; the crew was required to write apology letters to the government.11:52 Agent Felix Maritime Agency intervened repeatedly and ultimately secured their exit through Port Taba.12:14 The Suez Canal transit cost $1,100 total including pilots and agent fees, took roughly 12 hours, and pilots should not be given money even if asked.2:50 Saudi Arabia offered no harassment but prohibited going ashore.13:25 Israel has full freedom of movement but no marina infrastructure.14:01 Keith's bottom line: Egypt is not ready for long-term cruising, an agent is essential, and filming encounters is the only practical self-protection.
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