Tourist Submarine Sinks Off Egypt's Red Sea Coast, Killing Six Russian Tourists

By M Muzamil Shami - March 28, 2025

      Sindbad Submarine during a routine dive near Hurghada.

In a tragic incident on Thursday, a recreational submarine carrying 45 tourists sank near Hurghada, Egypt, resulting in the deaths of six Russian nationals, including two minors. The vessel, operated by Sindbad Submarines, was on an underwater excursion to showcase the Red Sea's vibrant coral reefs when the accident occurred approximately one kilometer offshore around 10:00 am local time.​

Egypt's Red Sea Governor, Amr Hanafi, confirmed that 39 foreign tourists were rescued, with no individuals reported missing. Among the survivors, four remain in critical condition and are receiving intensive medical care.

The submarine, known as "Sindbad," had a valid operating license and had passed technical reviews prior to the incident. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the sinking, as weather conditions were reported to be clear with optimal underwater visibility at the time.

Sindbad Submarines, associated with the Sindbad Club hotel, offers underwater adventures allowing passengers to explore 500 meters of coral reef from the comfort of an air-conditioned submarine. The vessel is designed to carry 44 passengers and two crew members, descending to depths of up to 25 meters.

This incident highlights ongoing safety concerns regarding tourist vessels in the Red Sea region. In November 2024, a dive boat capsized off the coast of Marsa Alam, resulting in multiple fatalities and several individuals missing.

The Red Sea's coral reefs and islands are major attractions, significantly contributing to Egypt's tourism sector, which employs millions and generates over 10% of the country's GDP. Ensuring the safety of such excursions is paramount to maintaining the industry's integrity and protecting visitors.​

Have you ever considered the safety measures in place when embarking on underwater excursions? Share your thoughts below.

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