A tragic maritime disaster struck Egypt’s Red Sea resort town of Hurghada on Thursday when a tourist submarine carrying 45 passengers and crew sank, leaving six people dead and nine injured, according to local authorities.
Rescue teams managed to save 29 people from the wreckage near a popular tourist promenade, while the injured were rushed to hospitals and are reportedly in stable condition, according to the Russian consulate in Hurghada. The passengers onboard were primarily Russian tourists, including minors. However, officials have not confirmed the exact number of crew members present at the time of the incident.
The ill-fated vessel belonged to Sindbad Submarines, a company operating under the Sindbad Hotel in Hurghada. The submarine embarked on a scheduled underwater tour to explore coral reefs at around 10 a.m. local time, before sinking approximately one kilometer (0.6 miles) from the shore.
The cause of the accident remains unknown. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, examining whether mechanical failure, human error, or environmental factors played a role in the tragedy.
Sindbad Submarines’ website states that its vessels are designed to carry up to 44 passengers and two pilots, each seat featuring a dedicated round viewing window for an immersive underwater experience.
This disaster comes just months after a tourist yacht capsized in the Red Sea in November, resulting in four fatalities and 33 rescues. Egypt’s tourism industry, a critical pillar of the nation’s economy, continues to face challenges due to ongoing safety concerns and regional conflicts that have deterred travel to the area.
