Tourist Submarine Tragedy in Egypt’s Red Sea Leaves Six Dead

CAIRO, Egypt — A tourist submarine sank Thursday morning off the coast of Hurghada, a resort city on Egypt’s Red Sea, resulting in the deaths of at least six tourists, including four Russian nationals. The incident occurred at approximately 10:00 a.m. local time, when the Sindbad submarine reportedly crashed about 1 kilometer from the shoreline.

According to the Russian embassy in Cairo, all 45 passengers aboard the vessel were Russian, which included minors. It remains unclear whether the deceased included young passengers.

The submarine was on a routine excursion to explore the coral reefs, known to attract many visitors to the region. Local media, citing the Hurghada governorate office, reported that among the deceased were foreign nationals, with six fatalities confirmed.

“According to initial reports, most passengers were rescued and taken to their hotels and hospitals in Hurghada,” the embassy stated. They added that the status of several other tourists remains uncertain.

Egyptian authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the accident. Witnesses noted the submarine sank quickly, and emergency responders arrived promptly to assist.

In a statement, the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities confirmed the incident and stated that the injured, including four individuals in critical condition, were transported to local hospitals. Rescuers managed to save 29 passengers from the stricken vessel.

Some local media outlets initially reported the death toll to be higher, suggesting that up to six people may have been killed. However, details remain fluid as investigations continue.

The Sindbad Submarines company has been providing underwater excursions in Hurghada for years. Their website states the vessel used in this tragedy is one of only 14 operational recreational submarines globally, allowing passengers to explore the region’s marine life at depths of up to 82 feet.

This incident is not without precedent; reports indicate a similar tragedy occurred last November when a boat named Sea Story sank near Marsa Alam, resulting in 11 people unaccounted for, prompting scrutiny over safety protocols.

As investigations unfold, questions about the safety measures implemented in popular tourist areas continue to surface. Local witnesses in Hurghada noted that the coastal weather was calm during the incident, which raises doubts regarding the circumstances leading to the submarine’s sinking.

The Russian embassy has dispatched diplomats to the Sindbad Hotel pier to support tourists and families affected by this tragedy. As this story is still developing, further updates are expected as authorities continue their inquiries.