Six people lost their lives on Thursday when a tourist submarine sank off Egypt’s Red Sea coast, according to state media. Russia’s consulate in Hurghada confirmed that 45 Russian citizens, including minors, were aboard the vessel at the time of the incident.
The consulate reported that “most of those on board were rescued and taken to their hotels and hospitals in Hurghada” but confirmed four fatalities. Meanwhile, Egyptian state-owned newspaper Akhbar Al-Youm reported six deaths and 19 injuries. Russian news agency Ria Novosti, citing an Egyptian emergency services source, stated that “five foreigners and one Egyptian” had died.
Local authorities have yet to issue an official response.
The submarine, reportedly owned by Sindbad Submarines, was designed to carry up to 44 passengers and dive to a depth of 25 meters (27 yards), according to the company’s website. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the accident.
Hurghada, located about 460 kilometers (280 miles) southeast of Cairo, is a key tourist destination in Egypt, welcoming over nine million passengers through its airport last year. Despite clear weather conditions on Thursday, the region experienced above-average winds, though underwater visibility remained optimal.
The Red Sea’s coral reefs and islands attract millions of tourists annually, supporting Egypt’s tourism sector, which employs around two million people and contributes over 10% of the nation’s GDP.
The Red Sea has witnessed several fatal incidents in recent years.
- In November, a dive boat capsized off the coast of Marsa Alam, south of Hurghada, resulting in four deaths and seven missing persons.
- That same month, 30 people were rescued from another sinking boat.
- In June 2023, two dozen French tourists were safely evacuated before their vessel sank in a similar accident.
- Also in 2023, three British tourists died when a fire broke out on their yacht, engulfing it in flames.
Authorities continue to investigate the latest tragedy as Egypt works to ensure the safety of its vital tourism industry.
