A tragic incident unfolds today off the coast of Hurghada, Egypt, as a tourist submarine named “Sindbad” sinks during an underwater excursion, leading to the deaths of six Russian nationals, including two children. The vessel is carrying 45 tourists and five Egyptian crew members when it submerges less than a mile from the shore around 10:00 AM local time.
The submarine, operated by Sindbad Submarines, is on a routine trip to showcase the Red Sea’s coral reefs. The cause of the sinking remains under investigation. Initial reports suggest that the submarine may have “crashed” during the sightseeing trip near local reefs.
Rescue operations commence promptly, resulting in the recovery of 39 individuals, some of whom sustain injuries and are transported to nearby hospitals. Among the injured, four survivors, including at least one child, are admitted to intensive care. The local governor confirms that all necessary licenses and qualifications for the submarine and its crew are in order.
The Russian embassy in Egypt is actively involved, confirming the nationalities of the deceased and coordinating with local authorities to support affected families.
Hurghada, a prominent resort city approximately 460 kilometers southeast of Cairo, is renowned for its diving and snorkeling attractions, drawing numerous international tourists annually. This incident adds to a series of maritime accidents in the region, raising concerns about safety standards for tourist vessels. In November, a dive boat capsizes off the coast of Marsa Alam, south of Hurghada, resulting in multiple fatalities and several missing persons.
Authorities continue their investigation into the cause of the submarine’s sinking and pledge to implement necessary measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Sources:
- https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/27/people-dead-after-tourist-submarine-sinks-off-egypt-coast-red-sea-reports
- https://apnews.com/article/34c6a0524a40ecef9a0245eb9fe83c30
- https://www.businessinsider.com/tourist-submarine-capsizes-off-egypt-sank-russian-dead-red-sea-2025-3
- https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/34085539/submarine-sink-egypt-resort-sea
- https://nypost.com/2025/03/27/world-news/at-least-6-feared-dead-after-tourist-submarine-carrying-about-40-passengers-sinks-off-egypts-red-sea-coast
- https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/egypt-submarine-sink-dead-sindbad-sdxl2fshw
- https://www.timesofisrael.com/5-russian-tourists-and-1-egyptian-killed-after-submarine-sinks-off-red-sea-coast
- https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tourist-submarine-egypt-sinks-off-red-sea-coast-deaths-rescues
- https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/africa/egypt-submarine-sink-hurghada-red-sea-sindbad-latest-news-b2722551.html
- https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/03/27/6-russian-tourists-killed-in-egyptian-submarine-accident-a88508
