Reports indicate that a tourist submarine sank off the Egyptian coast, as confirmed by officials. The Russian embassy in Egypt disclosed that the vessel was visiting a reef when the incident occurred, resulting in the tragic loss of four Russian lives.
Egypt’s Red Sea resorts are a significant draw for tourists, and this incident has raised concerns. Officials confirmed that several individuals were killed when a tourism submarine sank offshore. According to the Russian embassy’s Facebook post, all 45 passengers aboard were Russian nationals, with the unfortunate number of fatalities reaching four.
The submarine, identified as Sindbad and operated by a local hotel, was reportedly on an expedition to a coral reef located less than a mile from the coast when the disaster struck. The local governor’s office informed Reuters that the vessel sank close to the Red Sea resort city of Hurghada, with reports of six foreigners losing their lives.
Viktor Voropayev, Russia’s consul general in Hurghada, informed the Russian state news agency TASS that the death toll had increased to five, including two minors. The Russian embassy noted that most passengers had been rescued and subsequently transported to either hospitals or their hotels.
The hotel’s website indicates that the submarine operates at a depth of around 25 meters underwater, accommodates 45 passengers, and features a “sizeable round viewing window for each passenger.” The cause of the incident remains unknown.
Hurghada is renowned as a popular destination in the Red Sea, celebrated for its water sports, vibrant reefs, and scenic beaches. This incident follows a similar tragedy last November when another tourism vessel capsized off the coast, resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals.
The Egyptian tourism ministry and local authorities in Hurghada have yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the incident.
