WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 (Xinhuanet) -- U.S. President George W. Bush on Friday expressed condolences over the Egyptian tragedy when an ferry with some 1,300 passengers on board sank in bad weather on an overnight crossing from Saudi Arabia, the White House said.

Egyptian families wait for news of their loved ones in front of the main gate of the arrivals area at Safaga port, on Egypt's southeastern Red Sea coast. (AFP)

    "On behalf of the American people, the president extends our deepest condolences for the loss of life in the sinking of the Egyptian ferry Al-Salaam Boccaccio 98 in the Red Sea," the White House said in a statement.

    "Our thoughts and prayers are with all Egyptians and citizens of other nations who suffered losses in this terrible accident.

    "The United States stands ready to assist the governments of Egypt and Saudi Arabia in the process of rescue and recovery," the statement said.

    The Panamanian-flagged Al-Salaam 98 sank overnight Friday en route from the Dubah port in Saudi Arabia to the Egyptian Red Sea port of Safaga after disappearing from radar screen.

    Rescuers have reportedly recovered 185 bodies so far and at least 293 passengers have been found alive. Enditem