A tragic accident struck Egypt’s Red Sea resort city of Hurghada on Thursday morning when a tourist submarine carrying 45 Russian nationals sank during an excursion, leaving six dead and nine injured. The incident, reported by both Egyptian state media and the Russian embassy in Egypt, has raised serious concerns about underwater tourism safety.
The submarine, operated by Sindbad Submarines, was on a routine dive to explore the region’s coral reefs when it encountered a fatal malfunction. The vessel reportedly crashed just one kilometer from the shore at approximately 10:00 a.m. local time. While rescue efforts managed to save 29 passengers, several remain unaccounted for as authorities continue their search.
Conflicting Reports and Unanswered Questions
Confusion remains regarding the exact number of casualties, as discrepancies exist between the Russian embassy’s statement and Egyptian reports. The Hurghada governorate office confirmed that the victims were foreign nationals, but did not specify their nationalities. Minors were reportedly among the passengers, though it remains unclear if they were among the deceased.
“Most of those on board were rescued and taken to hotels and hospitals in Hurghada,” the Russian embassy stated, adding that the fate of some tourists was still being determined. Russian diplomats have been stationed at the Sindbad Hotel pier to oversee rescue operations and assist survivors.
The cause of the submarine’s sinking has yet to be established. However, maritime experts suggest that structural failure, human error, or mechanical malfunction could have contributed to the disaster. Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.
Sindbad Submarines: A History of Tourist Excursions
Sindbad Submarines, a well-known operator in the region, has long marketed its services as a safe and unique underwater experience. According to the company’s website, its submarines are engineered in Finland and designed to withstand pressures up to 75 meters below sea level. Each vessel is equipped with oxygen masks, life vests, and emergency safety protocols.
The company operates two recreational submarines, each capable of carrying 44 passengers and two pilots. These vessels typically dive to depths of 25 meters for 40-minute excursions, allowing tourists to view up to 500 meters of coral reef and marine wildlife through individual viewing windows.
Despite these safety assurances, this is not the first maritime incident in Egypt’s Red Sea waters. In November 2024, at least 16 people went missing after a tourist yacht sank following warnings of rough seas. The incident raised concerns about Egypt’s maritime regulations and enforcement of safety protocols for underwater tourism.
Impact on Egypt’s Tourism Industry
The tragedy comes at a critical time for Egypt’s tourism sector, which serves as a key pillar of the country’s economy. The Red Sea region, with its rich marine biodiversity and vibrant coral reefs, attracts thousands of tourists each year. However, repeated accidents have led to growing scrutiny over the safety of adventure tourism in the area.
Industry experts warn that this latest incident could lead to increased safety inspections and stricter regulations for submarine tours. The Egyptian government may now face pressure to enforce more rigorous maintenance checks on tourist vessels and improve emergency response protocols.
With search and rescue operations ongoing, families of the victims are seeking answers, and survivors are left shaken by the ordeal. The coming days will likely bring further investigations into what went wrong—and whether this tragedy could have been prevented.