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Tragedy Strikes Tourist Submarine in Egypt’s Red Sea
Six individuals have lost their lives following the sinking of a tourist submarine near Hurghada, a popular resort city in Egypt’s Red Sea region. Local authorities reported that 39 people were successfully rescued after the vessel encountered difficulties and sank around 10:00 AM local time. Preliminary, unconfirmed reports indicate that the submarine may have collided with a reef, leading to a loss of pressure.
Among the deceased are two married medical professionals, and their daughters are currently hospitalized. Reports from Russian news agency Tass revealed that two of the victims were children.
This incident marks the second such tragedy involving a tourist vessel in the Red Sea within a few months. In November, a boat capsized near Marsa Allam, resulting in 11 people being declared missing, presumed dead.
Red Sea Governor Amr Hanafy provided information that the passengers aboard the “Sindbad” submarine hailed from several countries, including Russia, India, Norway, and Sweden, in addition to five Egyptian crew members who were on board.
While the governor indicated that all those who perished were Russian nationals, detailed information about the victims has not yet been disclosed. An ongoing investigation is examining the circumstances surrounding the incident, with the Association of Tour Operators of Russia citing reports that the submarine struck a reef and subsequently suffered a loss of pressure at a depth of approximately 20 meters (65 feet).
Located southeast of Cairo, Hurghada is renowned for its stunning beaches and vibrant coral reefs, attracting tourists from around the globe.
Dr. James Aldridge from Bristol shared his experience with the submarine tour, stating he had taken the same journey in February 2025. According to him, the submarine was in excellent condition, reflecting the professionalism seen in promotional materials.
“The sub was well-maintained and was as shown in the promotional photos,” he observed. “It had fresh paint, modern equipment, and attentive, English-speaking staff, including two divers who accompanied us.”
Dr. Aldridge recounted that passengers were provided with a safety briefing available in multiple languages, although life jackets were not issued. He described the tour experience as safe, stating, “We toured the reef for 40 minutes. For the first 20 minutes, I was facing the reef, and the sub never strayed ‘too close’; I never felt unsafe. During the return trip, I was facing the ocean.”
Source
www.bbc.com