Tourist Submarine Sinks off Egyptian Coast, Six Foreign Tourists Perish

Hurghada, a resort city on the Red Sea in Egypt, was struck by a tragic submarine sinking accident on Thursday (March 27). Local authorities reported to Reuters that the incident resulted in the deaths of 6 foreigners, although the nationality of the victims has not yet been confirmed.

According to a statement from the Russian Embassy in Egypt on Facebook, the accident occurred at 10 a.m. local time on Thursday morning. The submarine named “Sindbad” collided and sank about 1 kilometer off the coast, with all 45 passengers on board being Russian tourists.

The embassy noted that the submarine belonged to a hotel of the same name and was conducting a routine underwater sightseeing excursion for tourists to observe coral reefs. Among the victims, 4 were reported to be Russian nationals.

“According to preliminary information, most of the passengers have been rescued and transported to hotels or hospitals in Hurghada,” the embassy stated. “The situation of a few remaining tourists is still being clarified.”

“Consular diplomatic personnel have arrived at the Sindbad hotel pier,” the embassy added.

Local Egyptian media reported that rescue teams successfully saved 29 out of the 45 passengers on board the submarine.

According to the official website of “Sindbad Submarines,” the company boasts an experienced team and operates two tour submarines designed in Finland, equipped with safety features allowing them to withstand pressures up to 75 meters. Each submarine can accommodate 44 passengers along with 2 crew members, and is equipped with large viewing windows, air conditioning, comfortable seating, and personal screens.

The submarines can dive up to 25 meters and offer a 40-minute journey for passengers to admire the 500-meter-long coral reef ecosystem. Emergency oxygen masks and life jackets are provided in case of emergencies.

The Red Sea is renowned for its coral reefs and marine ecology, making it a vital hub for Egypt’s tourism industry. Tourism plays a crucial role in the country’s economy, with Russian visitors playing an increasingly significant role.

In November last year, a tourist diving boat was hit by a huge wave and sank within minutes, resulting in 4 deaths by drowning. Prior to that, in June, another vessel also sank due to a storm, but there were no reports of casualties.

In November last year, a sightseeing boat capsized in the waters of the Egyptian Red Sea, leading to 4 fatalities.