Tragic Submarine Sinking Near Hurghada Leaves Six Dead, Dozens Rescued

Six lives were lost, and dozens more were saved from the Red Sea on Thursday after a tourist submarine met with disaster near Hurghada, a renowned Egyptian resort city. This was confirmed by both the Russian embassy and Egypt’s state media.

The incident occurred off Egypt’s typically serene eastern coastline, prompting a swift rescue mission. According to the Russian state outlet RIA Novosti, 21 individuals were hospitalized – among them seven children, ages ranging from 2 to 15.

Most passengers on board were Russian tourists, as reported by RIA and the Russian embassy. Reuters, citing Egyptian authority sources, announced that a total of 39 individuals were rescued. The fatalities included foreign nationals, according to the agency.

The tragic accident took place at 10:00 a.m. local time when the submarine “crashed about 1 kilometer from the shore,” stated the embassy. The craft was conducting a routine underwater tour to explore the coral reef, the embassy clarified.

Hurghada, known for its stunning beaches along the Red Sea, hosts submarine tours headed by a company reputed for its deep-sea explorations. CNN has attempted to contact the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities for further comment.

According to the submarine operator’s website, their team consists of “experts with years of experience,” and the submarines, “engineered in Finland,” are designed to withstand underwater pressures at depths of up to 75 meters, ensuring a commitment to safety and reliability.

The company assures that in case of emergency, oxygen masks are available overhead, and life vests are stored under the seats for safety.

Sindbad Submarines, the company behind these tours, operates two “recreational submarines.” Each can accommodate 44 passengers plus two pilots, each seat offering a “large round viewing window.”

These submarines are capable of descending to a depth of 25 meters for 40 minutes, providing a unique opportunity to explore “500 meters of coral reef along with its marine life.”

Additionally, the “spacious air-conditioned cabin” promises “comfortable seating and personal TV monitors” for each passenger.

In a related incident in November, at least 16 people were reported missing after a tourist yacht sank in the Red Sea amidst warnings of rough seas. At the time, the cause of the sinking of the four-deck, wooden yacht was unclear.

Tourism plays a crucial role in Egypt’s economy, standing as one of its primary revenue streams.