A tragic accident unfolded Thursday morning off the eastern coast of Egypt when a tourist submarine carrying nearly 40 people, most of them Russian nationals, sank near the resort town of Hurghada, killing six and sending shockwaves through the region’s bustling tourism industry.
According to Egyptian authorities and the Russian embassy in Cairo, the submarine began experiencing issues just one kilometer offshore during a routine coral reef exploration. The vessel, operated by Sindbad Submarines, is part of a popular underwater sightseeing attraction in the Red Sea.
The incident occurred at 10:00 a.m. local time, with the submarine quickly descending into chaos. Although 39 passengers were rescued, six lives were lost, including tourists reportedly from multiple countries. At least 21 survivors were hospitalized, among them seven children aged 2 to 15, with injuries ranging from shock to minor wounds.
Eyewitnesses aboard rescue boats described a sudden tilt in the vessel before it began to sink. “It was supposed to be a peaceful reef tour, then it all went dark—literally,” said a nearby boat crew member.
Sindbad Submarines markets itself as a safe and family-friendly way to explore marine life. Its website boasts “expert teams,” Finnish engineering, and the ability to reach depths of 25 meters with air-conditioned cabins and personal TV monitors.
In light of the tragedy, those same claims are now drawing fierce scrutiny. The company’s stated emergency features—including oxygen masks and life vests—are under investigation as Egyptian maritime officials begin piecing together what caused the submarine to sink so suddenly.
The Red Sea resort hub of Hurghada is a cornerstone of Egypt’s tourism economy, which accounts for nearly 12% of national GDP. This is not the first marine incident in the region: a yacht sank in November, leaving several missing.
Though Egyptian tourism had seen a resurgence in recent years post-COVID, this tragedy may raise fresh concerns among potential visitors. With millions traveling to the Red Sea annually, safety standards aboard recreational marine vessels are expected to come under international review.
Critics note that this is not an isolated incident. In recent months, rough seas, aging vessels, and lax regulatory oversight have been flagged in reports by local authorities and international watchdogs.
“The submarine had passed all regular inspections,” said a company representative, “but we are cooperating fully with investigators to determine what happened.”
Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has yet to issue an official statement, but diplomatic sources confirm both Russian and Egyptian officials are coordinating response efforts. Rescue teams are combing the area for any missing belongings or possible evidence from the vessel.
As autopsies and technical investigations continue, families mourn, and the world watches. More updates are expected in the coming days.
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