A tragic incident occurred off the coast of Egypt in the Red Sea when a tourist submarine sank during an excursion, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. The submarine, Sindbad, was carrying 44 passengers, including children, who were on a tour to explore the coral reefs and marine life in the Hurghada area.
The accident took place on Thursday when the submarine, which had been offering scenic underwater tours for several years, began sinking in front of a marina near a popular hotel in Hurghada. Six people lost their lives, and nine others were injured, including four in critical condition. Fortunately, 29 passengers were rescued during a massive rescue operation, which involved 21 ambulances, security, and rescue teams dispatched to the scene.
Sindbad Submarines, which operates in the Hurghada area, offers tourists a unique experience by taking them underwater to depths of up to 82 feet. Their submarine, designed to accommodate 44 passengers, allows for an unforgettable experience, with large windows for viewing marine life and coral reefs.
According to local authorities, six foreign nationals were confirmed dead, though their nationalities were not immediately specified. However, the Russian embassy in Egypt reported that all the passengers on board were Russian citizens, contradicting the official count, which stated that only four fatalities occurred. One of the deceased was a child, as reported by the Russian Telegram channel Baza.
Hurghada, a well-known tourist destination in Egypt’s Red Sea governorate, attracts millions of visitors, particularly Europeans. In 2022, over four million tourists visited the area, with a large number coming from Germany, Russia, the Czech Republic, and Poland. Despite its popularity, the UK government had issued a safety warning earlier in February due to the number of accidents involving liveaboard diving holidays in the region, which has seen several fatal incidents in recent years.
The UK government advised travelers to only book diving holidays through reputable vendors with strong safety protocols, emphasizing the importance of receiving a thorough safety briefing upon boarding.