Tourist Submarine Sinks in Red Sea, Killing at Least Six, Including a Child
A devastating accident has struck off the coast of Egypt, where a tourist submarine carrying dozens of passengers, including children, sank in the Red Sea near Hurghada.
Submarine Begins to Sink
According to local reports from Al-Masry Al-Youm, the Sindbad tourist submarine was conducting an underwater excursion to explore coral reefs when disaster struck on Thursday. The vessel, which offers a close-up view of marine life, began to sink near the marina of a well-known hotel in Hurghada.
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The incident resulted in six confirmed fatalities, with nine others injured—four of them critically. A total of 29 passengers were successfully rescued.
Emergency Response
Authorities launched an urgent rescue operation as the submarine started to submerge. The Red Sea Health Directorate and the Egyptian Ambulance Authority were placed on high alert, dispatching 21 ambulances along with security and rescue teams to the scene.
About the Sindbad Submarine
Sindbad has been operating in the Hurghada area for several years, providing unique underwater experiences. According to the company’s website, its submarines are among the world’s few real recreational submersibles, capable of diving to depths of 82 feet. The vessel features 44 passenger seats, two pilot seats, and large viewing windows for an immersive underwater tour.
The company promotes its excursions as a safe and comfortable way to explore the marine world, offering 40-minute dives with professional divers on hand for photography.
Victims and Conflicting Reports
The governor’s office in Hurghada confirmed that the six people who lost their lives were foreign nationals. However, it did not specify their countries of origin.
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The Russian embassy in Egypt later announced on Facebook that all passengers aboard the submarine were Russian citizens. However, the embassy reported only four deaths, contradicting the official figures from Egyptian authorities. A Russian Telegram news channel, Baza, further claimed that one of the deceased was a child.
Hurghada’s Popularity and Safety Concerns
Hurghada is a major tourist destination, attracting over four million visitors in 2022, with Germans making up the largest group, followed by tourists from Russia, the Czech Republic, and Poland.
Despite its appeal, the region has faced growing safety concerns. Earlier this year, the UK government issued a warning about liveaboard diving holidays in the Red Sea, citing multiple accidents. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch reported that three dive boats had sunk within 21 months, causing several fatalities, including British nationals.
In response, the UK government urged travelers to book through reputable operators and to request thorough safety briefings upon boarding.
Investigation Underway
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the accident. It remains unclear whether mechanical failure, human error, or external factors contributed to the submarine’s sinking.
As the rescue and recovery efforts continue, the tragedy has raised serious concerns about underwater tourism safety in the region.
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