The sinking of a sightseeing submarine near Hurghada, Egypt, has prompted investigations into safety compliance and operational standards.
**Tragedy Strikes: Submarine Incident Claims Six Lives in Red Sea**
**Tragedy Strikes: Submarine Incident Claims Six Lives in Red Sea**
A tourist submarine disaster in the Red Sea leaves six dead and raises critical questions about safety protocols.
A tragic incident occurred in the Red Sea when a tourist submarine sank, resulting in the deaths of six out of the 45 passengers onboard. The vessel, identified as the Sindbad, capsized around 10:00 local time (08:00 GMT) while navigating coral reefs near the popular resort town of Hurghada. Fortunately, the majority of the passengers, including 39 others and five crew members, were rescued shortly after the sinking. However, reports indicate nine individuals suffered injuries, four of them critical.
Among the deceased were two married Russian doctors, who tragically left behind their daughters currently hospitalized. The passengers hailed from various countries, including Russia, India, Norway, and Sweden, revealing the diverse clientele drawn to Egypt’s tourism sector. Authorities in Egypt have confirmed that all six fatalities are Russian nationals, and personal details about the victims are still being disclosed.
Egypt's Red Sea governor, Amr Hanafy, stated that the submarine involved had a valid operating license, with the crew leader holding the appropriate scientific certification. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the sinking. Initial observations from the Association of Tour Operators of Russia suggested that the submarine impacted a reef and subsequently lost pressure at a depth of 20 meters (65 feet).
As a significant contributor to Egypt's tourism revenue, Russian visitors play an essential role in supporting the nation's struggling economy. The Sindbad submarine, designed to provide an immersive underwater experience with large viewing portholes, was reported to be well-maintained by past passengers.
Dr. James Aldridge, who experienced a similar submarine excursion in February 2025, praised the vessel for its condition, mentioning attentive staff and comprehensive safety briefings in various languages. However, safety equipment such as life jackets was not provided on that trip, highlighting potential areas of concern in emergency preparedness.
This event marks the second maritime disaster in the Red Sea within six months, following the sinking of the boat Sea Story last November, which had left 11 people unaccounted for. The recurrence of such tragic incidents calls into question the adequacy of safety measures in place in these popular tourist destinations, raising alarms about whether local authorities are conducting sufficient safety checks on excursion vessels.
