A tourist submarine excursion in Egypt's Red Sea has resulted in the loss of six lives, with ongoing efforts to piece together the incident.
Tragedy Strikes as Tourist Submarine Sinks in Red Sea, Claiming Six Lives
Tragedy Strikes as Tourist Submarine Sinks in Red Sea, Claiming Six Lives
A horrific underwater accident leaves multiple families grieving as investigations unfold.
Six people have tragically lost their lives after a tourist submarine sank in the Red Sea near Hurghada, Egypt. Authorities reported that 39 individuals were rescued following the incident, which occurred around 10:00 AM local time. Initial unverified reports indicated that the submarine may have struck a reef, leading to a loss of pressure.
Among the deceased are two married doctors, whose children are currently receiving treatment at a local hospital. Russian news agency Tass has reported that two of the deceased victims were children. This incident marks the second significant mishap involving a tourist vessel in the Red Sea in recent months; a boat capsized near Marsa Allam in November, leaving 11 individuals missing and presumed dead.
Red Sea governor Amr Hanafy confirmed that the passengers onboard the "Sindbad" submarine hailed from Russia, India, Norway, and Sweden, and included five Egyptian crew members. Officials specified that all six fatalities involved Russian nationals, though further identity details of the victims are yet to be disclosed.
An ongoing investigation has been launched to determine the precise cause of the incident. The Russian Association of Tour Operators shared, via Telegram, unconfirmed accounts that suggested the submarine had collided with a reef before losing pressure at a depth of approximately 20 meters (65 feet).
Renowned for its breathtaking beaches and coral reefs, Hurghada remains a popular tourist destination located southeast of Cairo. A passenger, Dr. James Aldridge from Bristol, who experienced the submarine tour in February 2025, described the vessel as well-maintained with attentive staff. He recounted that safety briefings were conducted in various languages, but noted that life jackets were not provided during the excursion, which lasted around 40 minutes.
