Russian tourist submarine sinks off Egypt’s Coast, six killed in tragic incident
A tourist submarine sank off the coast of Hurghada, Egypt, on Thursday, resulting in six fatalities and leaving several others injured, sparking an urgent rescue operation.
A tragic incident unfolded off the coast of Hurghada, Egypt, on Thursday when a tourist submarine sank in the Red Sea, resulting in the loss of six lives. Dozens of others were rescued in a frantic operation, with several victims, including children, rushed to local hospitals.
The news sent shockwaves through Egypt’s tourism industry, which heavily relies on its coastal resorts and underwater excursions. While the exact cause of the accident remains under investigation, the company operating the submarine has assured the public that its vessels are designed for safety.
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Six dead in an accident off the coast of Egypt: Most were Russians
Six people were killed, and many others rescued on Thursday after a tourist submarine sank in the Red Sea off the coast of Hurghada, Egypt, according to reports from the Russian embassy and Egyptian state media.
The incident triggered an urgent rescue operation, and 21 people, including seven children between the ages of 2 and 15, were hospitalized, as reported by Russian outlet RIA Novosti.
The majority of the passengers were Russian tourists, and a total of 39 people were rescued, according to Egyptian authorities. The victims were identified as foreign nationals.
The submarine sank at approximately 10:00 a.m. local time, around 1 km from the shore, while on a routine excursion to view the coral reef, the Russian embassy reported.
Hurghada, a popular resort town along Egypt's Red Sea coast, is a well-known destination for submarine tours operated by a company boasting years of experience in the region’s underwater exploration.
Location of the incident off the coast of Egypt. Photo: OpenStreetMap.
The tour operator, Sindbad Submarines, markets its fleet of submarines as having a high safety standard. Their vessels, built in Finland, can withstand underwater pressures up to 75 meters. The company also reassured customers that oxygen masks and life vests are available in emergencies.
Accident affects Egyptian tourism
This tragic event comes just months after another deadly incident in the Red Sea, where a tourist yacht sank in November, leaving 16 people missing. Despite warnings of rough seas, the cause of the yacht’s sinking remains unclear.
Egypt's tourism sector remains a major contributor to its economy, and the incident is likely to have an impact on the country's tourism reputation.