Due to bad weather, rescuers could not begin work until dawn on Sunday 15th, with 10 foot seas and high winds making the rescue operation challenging. Initial efforts were undertaken by four Egyptian naval ships, three air force C-130 transport planes and four helicopters, with support from U.S. and Australian navy helicopters; life rafts and lifejackets were dropped to survivors, and tourist boats also helped to rescue people from the sea.[26] 150 people were reported rescued on Sunday, of an eventual 180 survivors, with the rescue attempt again halted overnight by weather and darkness.