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[greekcypriot]

I was reading an article about feluccas and I remember one of my trips to Egypt and the sailing trip we had in the Nile River. Yes, I can admit feluccas seem so beautiful watching them sailing in the River, and to be honest I had never thought of hiring one and sail in the Nile. For me it is more romantic to be on board a sailing ship and watching all the beauty of the surounding area, plus the felucas sailing in the waters.
Be in the comfort of the sailing boat on top the deck with a glass of champaign or wine, it seems like being part of a painting.
Has anyone of you got in a felluca? How stable are they?
READ THE ARTICLE AND COMMENT IF YOU WISH:

[jeremystravels]

I was on a felucca for a full day in Egypt traveling up from Aswan towards Kom Ombo and we were moored on the side of the Nile over night as well. I do not see these boats as being any less safe than a traditional sail boat, and I had a great time. We all felt bad for everyone on the big boats who were missing out on the experience. To be honest I think I could have enjoyed a few more days out on them just sailing along.

I think that, yes, smaller boats have potential for capsizing more than a large vessel like the one you were on. But knowing that there should not be any problems at all. It is sad that someone died while in one.

Upon reading the article closer, I think it was the operators fault. Our guide told us that feluccas are not supposed to sail after dark due to lack of light. If high winds forced the felucca back out on the Nile and capsized it, then it would be the operators fault for not anchoring the ship well enough. Otherwise I cannot see any reason for one to capsize at 3am.

[travelmonster]

It is indeed obviously very sad that somone died in this manner - but it wouldn't stop me from going on one. There are so many experiences to be had in life and if you worried about every detail of previous accidents and how safe things are, you would very much end up limiting yourself.

I'm not a dare devil and wouldn't deliberately do something to risk my life, but I think this was just an unfortunate accident, that could just as well have happened to any boat on any river.