Six Russian Tourists Killed After Submarine Sinks Off Egypt’s Red Sea Coast
A recreational submarine carrying 45 tourists sank during a reef-viewing tour in the Red Sea on Thursday, leaving six Russian tourists dead and at least 29 others injured, according to local officials.
The vessel, operated by Sindbad Submarines, went down about 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) from shore near the Egyptian resort city of Hurghada, a popular diving and snorkeling destination.
Submarine Was on Routine Tour
The incident occurred during a regular 40-minute underwater tour designed to showcase coral reefs through panoramic windows. The submarine, with five Egyptian crew members onboard, reportedly crashed around 10 a.m., though the exact cause is still under investigation.
Officials said all passengers have been accounted for. The submarine held a valid license and the crew was certified, according to Red Sea Governor Maj. Gen. Amr Hanafy.
Casualties and Survivors
- 6 Russian tourists died, including at least 2 children, according to Russia’s Tass news agency.
- 29 tourists were injured, several of whom remain in critical condition.
- Tourists onboard included nationals from India, Norway, and Sweden.
What We Know About the Vessel
Sindbad Submarines operates two vessels engineered in Finland, designed to descend up to 25 meters (82 feet) below sea level.The cabins include air-conditioning and safety gear such as oxygen masks and life vests.
According to the company’s site, each vessel carries up to 44 passengers and experienced crew members staff it. The company has not commented on the incident.
Conditions and Response
Weather on the day of the accident was clear and calm, with light winds and temperatures around 30°C (86°F). Emergency teams responded quickly, and survivors were taken to nearby hospitals and hotels.
Video footage shared by the governor’s office shows Hanafy visiting survivors in hospital, including a man searching for his critically injured daughter.
Recent Red Sea Accidents
This is not the first maritime accident in the region. In November 2024, a tourist yacht sank in the Red Sea after rough sea warnings, leaving at least four people dead.
Egypt’s tourism sector, a vital part of the national economy, has faced renewed scrutiny over safety standards in tourist zones.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into Thursday’s tragedy.
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