Six lives were lost when a tourist submarine sank off the coast of Hurghada, leading to a call for improved safety measures in popular Egyptian excursion waters.
Submarine Tragedy in Red Sea: Investigative Efforts Underway
Submarine Tragedy in Red Sea: Investigative Efforts Underway
A tragic submarine incident in the Red Sea results in fatalities, prompting a thorough investigation into the crew's conduct.
The Red Sea was rocked by tragedy on Thursday when a tourist submarine, carrying 45 passengers, sank, resulting in the deaths of six individuals, including two children. The incident occurred around 10:00 AM local time (08:00 GMT), prompting an immediate rescue operation that saved 39 passengers and five crew members. Among the deceased were two married doctors, whose daughters survived and are currently hospitalized with serious injuries.
The submarine, operated by Sindbad Submarines and licensed for norm operations, had reportedly hit a reef at a depth of 20 meters (65 feet), leading to a catastrophic loss of pressure. Investigations led by local authorities are focused on analyzing the crew's actions and determining the precise cause behind the incident.
Egypt's Red Sea governor, Amr Hanafy, noted that the majority of passengers were Russian, but individuals from India, Norway, and Sweden were also on board. The tragedy has reignited discussions regarding safety measures within Egypt's tourism sector, which heavily relies on foreign visitors, particularly from Russia. In light of the incident, concerns about the frequency of similar occurrences have surfaced, especially after a previous sinking near Marsa Alam, where 11 people went missing last November.
Eyewitness accounts depicting the submarine's previous excursions highlighted its professional maintenance and safety protocols, raising questions about the operational standards under which the submarine was functioning at the time of the accident. Dr. James Aldridge, a previous passenger, shared his experience from a February 2025 trip, emphasizing the boat's well-kept condition but noting a lack of life jackets issued during the voyage.
As the investigation continues, the Red Sea's status as a premier tourist destination hangs in the balance, necessitating urgent evaluations of safety protocols and measures to prevent future tragedies.
