Submarine Tragedy Claims Six Lives in Hurghada, Egypt

HURGHADA, Egypt — A tourist submarine sank in the Red Sea off the coast of Hurghada on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of six individuals and prompting a large-scale rescue operation. The incident occurred at approximately 10:00 a.m. local time as the submarine, operated by Sindbad Submarines, was conducting a routine excursion to view coral reefs.

According to reports from the Russian embassy and Egyptian state-run media, 39 individuals were rescued from the waters, while 21 others, including seven children aged between two and 15, were taken to local hospitals. Most passengers aboard the submarine were Russian nationals, as confirmed by the Russian embassy in Egypt.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the submarine sank about one kilometer from shore. In the frantic aftermath, emergency services dispatched 21 ambulances to the scene to treat the injured. An ongoing rescue operation has also involved diving teams searching for potential survivors.

Authorities confirmed that four of the deceased passengers were Russian, with reports emerging that the tourists were part of a group from the travel company Biblio Globus. Two of the victims were identified as Ravil and Kristina V., who were reportedly on board with their family.

Survivors recounted a harrowing experience, with one victim stating that the submarine had been in poor condition prior to the disaster. “The glass was broken and scuffed, and visibility was 50/50,” said a tourist who had previously taken the submarine excursion. “It was difficult to see the fish and the diving show.”

Local media have speculated that the submarine may have hit a coral reef. Witnesses and survivors expressed concerns regarding safety protocols, alleging that passengers were not adequately briefed on emergency procedures. “The guides did not conduct any instructions and did not tell what to do in case of an emergency,” one survivor said. “When the water flooded the cabin, people panicked.”

Sindbad Submarines operates two recreational submarines, each capable of carrying 44 passengers for underwater tours to depths of 25 meters below sea level. Their website claims that the vessels are engineered to withstand underwater pressures effectively, and safety measures include emergency oxygen masks and life vests.

This tragedy marks another incident involving tourist watercraft in Egyptian waters, coming just months after a yacht sank in November, leading to the disappearance of 16 individuals. Egyptian authorities have been placed on high alert, and an investigation into the submarine’s operating conditions and passenger safety protocols is underway.

The tourism sector is a critical part of Egypt’s economy, and safety standards for marine excursions have come under scrutiny following this incident. The Foreign Office has previously issued warnings regarding potential safety risks in Egypt’s diving and boating activities.