A tourist submarine carrying passengers on an underwater sightseeing expedition off the coast of Hurghada, Egypt, tragically sank on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of at least six Russian nationals.
The vessel, owned by Sindbad Submarines, was a privately operated tourist attraction designed to offer visitors a glimpse of the region’s vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the incident, as questions arise about what led to the disaster, the fate of those on board, and the vessel’s safety measures.
What Happened?
Watch Here: Tourist submarine sinks in Egypt’s coast killing six
Officials from Egypt and Russia have yet to determine a definitive cause for the accident, with investigations still ongoing.
However, Russia’s Association of Tour Operators suggested via Telegram that the submarine may have collided with a reef while submerged at approximately 20 meters (65 feet). This impact might have compromised the vessel’s pressure, leading to water flooding inside.
Despite attempts by the crew to surface and evacuate passengers, the vessel sank rapidly at around 10 AM local time.
Where Did the Incident Occur?
The vessel reportedly sank about 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) offshore from Hurghada, a major Red Sea resort city located approximately 480 kilometers (300 miles) southeast of Cairo.
The Red Sea plays a crucial role in Egypt’s tourism industry, which is a key pillar of the country’s economy. Russian tourists make up a significant portion of visitors to the region, with official figures showing around 380,000 Russians traveled to Hurghada between January and August 2024.
However, Egypt’s Red Sea tourism sector has also seen several maritime accidents in recent years.
- June 2024: A group of French tourists was rescued after their boat capsized near Marsa Alam.
- November 2024: Thirty people were saved from a sinking vessel near Daedalus Reef, roughly 90 kilometers (56 miles) from Marsa Alam.
Who Was on Board?
The Sindbad submarine was carrying 50 people, including 45 tourists and 5 Egyptian crew members, according to Red Sea Governor Amr Hanafi.
Passengers included travelers from Russia, Norway, Sweden, and India.
Who Were the Victims?
Among the six people killed were four adults and two children, all of whom were Russian nationals, according to Hanafi.
Authorities have not yet released all victims’ names, pending notification of their families. However, Russian media reported that some victims belonged to the same family who were on vacation in Egypt.
Additionally, Egyptian officials suggested that a married couple, both doctors, were among the deceased.
Were There Survivors?
Yes. The remaining 39 tourists and 5 crew members were rescued, and there are no missing persons.
However, 29 passengers sustained injuries, ranging from bruises and hypothermia to severe conditions requiring intensive care. Hanafi confirmed that four people remain in critical condition.
What Do We Know About the Sindbad Submarine?
The Sindbad Submarine has been a key attraction for tourists for several years.
According to the company, it is one of only 14 recreational submarines worldwide and the only one of its kind in Africa and the Arab world.
Manufactured in Finland, the submarine was built to withstand depths of up to 75 meters (246 feet). The company’s website states:
“In an emergency, oxygen masks are located overhead and life vests under the seats.”
Designed for both adults and children, the tours typically descend to depths of 25 meters (82 feet) for a 40-minute underwater experience.
Sindbad Submarines has been in the marine tourism industry for over 25 years.
What Are Survivors Saying?
Passengers described a frantic scene as water rushed into the vessel, forcing them to fight for survival.
One survivor, Elena Boldareva, told the UK’s Daily Mirror:
“People saved themselves as best they could. Some managed to swim out, some didn’t.”
She and her husband were able to escape, but her daughter and mother were hospitalized in serious condition.
Several survivors were taken to Hurghada General Hospital for treatment.
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How Did Authorities Respond?
Egyptian officials launched an immediate search-and-rescue mission, with divers and coastguard units arriving at the site within an hour of the incident.
Governor Hanafi stated that the submarine had passed all required technical inspections and held valid licenses. However, investigations into crew actions and vessel maintenance are ongoing.
Is Underwater Tourism Becoming More Dangerous?
Underwater tourism, including submarine and submersible tours, is a rapidly growing industry.
- The global underwater tourism sector was valued at $36 billion in 2017 and has expanded significantly since.
- Various companies now offer deep-sea exploration experiences, with demand rising for scuba diving and submarine tours.
However, safety concerns persist, as regulations struggle to keep pace with technological advancements and industry expansion.
The Titan submersible disaster in June 2023, which claimed five lives near the Titanic wreck site, has reignited debates over tourism safety in deep-sea environments.
What Happens Next?
The Red Sea submarine tragedy has raised serious concerns about tourism safety standards in Egypt, particularly for marine excursions such as diving, snorkeling, and underwater tours.
Some tourism companies have suspended activities in the Red Sea due to safety risks, while others have reassessed their operational protocols.
Sindbad Submarines has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident.
Their website was temporarily offline but has since been restored.
Final Thoughts
This latest tragedy is a sobering reminder of the risks associated with underwater tourism. As investigations continue, both authorities and the tourism industry will be under pressure to enhance safety measures and prevent similar disasters in the future.