Cairo: Six Russian nationals lost their lives on Thursday when a tourist submarine sank off the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Hurghada. Authorities confirmed that 39 foreign tourists were rescued, with no passengers or crew reported missing, according to a statement from the local governor’s office.
The Red Sea Governorate identified the vessel as the “Sindbad”, a submarine designed for underwater sightseeing, carrying a total of 50 individuals. Among them were 45 tourists from various nationalities, including Russia, India, Norway, and Sweden, along with five Egyptian crew members.
“Most of those on board were rescued and taken to their hotels and hospitals in Hurghada,” the Russian consulate in Hurghada stated.
A tourist submarine sinks off Egypt's Red Sea resort city of Hurghada, causing fatalities https://t.co/R9nubXT2Ah pic.twitter.com/WhthdJKnr5
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The submarine was equipped with large portholes, offering passengers a glimpse of the Red Sea’s rich marine life and coral reefs. According to its operating company, the vessel could descend to a depth of 25 meters. Unlike deep-sea exploration submersibles, such as the one that imploded near the Titanic wreck in June 2023, this submarine was designed for shallow underwater excursions.
The Red Sea remains a key destination for Egypt’s tourism industry, a vital pillar of the economy, with Russian tourists playing an increasingly significant role. In addition to its coastal attractions, Egypt draws millions of visitors to historical sites such as the Great Pyramids of Giza and Nile River cruises in Luxor and Aswan.
Egyptian authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the sinking, with officials questioning crew members. Red Sea Governor Amr Hanafy stated that the submarine was legally licensed and operated by an Egyptian owner, with a certified captain at the helm.
The incident follows a series of maritime accidents involving tourist vessels in the region. Last June, a boat sank due to high waves, though no casualties were reported. In November, another tourist boat carrying 31 tourists and 13 crew members capsized during a multi-day diving trip, resulting in at least 11 deaths, according to local media. More recently, a tourist boat en route to Hurghada capsized last month after undergoing maintenance.
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The Egyptian Tourism Ministry and the Chamber of Diving have not yet responded to media inquiries regarding the incident.
A United Nations report ranked Egypt as Africa’s top country for tourism revenue in 2024, generating $14.1 billion—more than double the income from the Suez Canal. This underscores the crucial role tourism plays in supporting Egypt’s economy.
