A serious accident has taken place off the coast of Egypt in the Red Sea.
A tourist submarine carrying 44 passengers, including children, sank during an excursion to explore coral reefs. The incident resulted in several deaths and an urgent rescue effort.
Submarine Begins to Sink The local newspaper Al-Masry Al-Youm reported that the Sindbad tourist submarine was operating near Hurghada. The vessel is used for underwater tours, allowing visitors to see marine life and coral reefs up close. However, on Thursday, something went wrong.
Reports indicate the submarine sank near a well-known hotel marina in Hurghada. Six people lost their lives, while nine others were injured, including four in critical condition. Another 29 passengers were successfully rescued.
Authorities quickly launched a rescue mission. The Red Sea Health Directorate and the Egyptian Ambulance Authority sent security and medical teams to assist. A total of 21 ambulances were dispatched to the site.
Tourist Submarine Sindbad Sindbad has operated excursions in Hurghada for several years. According to its official website, the company owns two of the world’s few recreational submarines.
The vessel is designed to dive as deep as 82 feet, offering passengers a unique underwater experience. Large round windows allow for clear views of marine life. The company’s website describes the tour as a 40-minute journey below sea level, with divers present to enhance the experience for visitors.
Six Foreign Nationals Killed The governor’s office in Hurghada confirmed that six foreign nationals died in the accident. However, their nationalities were not specified.
The Russian embassy in Egypt stated in a Facebook post that all tourists on board were Russian citizens. However, their report mentioned only four deaths, differing from the local authorities’ count.
A Russian Telegram channel reported that one of the victims was a child.
Tourist Safety Concerns Hurghada is a major tourist destination, attracting over four million visitors in 2022. The largest groups of tourists came from Germany, Russia, the Czech Republic, and Poland.
Despite its popularity, concerns about safety have been raised. The UK government issued a travel warning in February, citing 16 accidents in the Red Sea over the last five years. Three dive boats were lost in the past 21 months, resulting in multiple deaths.
Officials recommend booking trips with reliable companies that follow safety standards. Travelers are also advised to ask for a full safety briefing before boarding any vessel.