At least six people are believed dead and nine others injured—four critically—after a tourist submarine sank near Hurghada, Egypt, on Thursday morning.
The vessel, identified as the “Sindbad,” was carrying around 44 passengers when it went down approximately one kilometer off the coast of the popular resort city.
Rescue operations have so far saved 29 people, according to a statement from the Red Sea Governorate. Egyptian authorities confirmed the submarine was conducting a routine underwater tour to view coral reefs and marine life when the incident occurred.
The Russian embassy in Cairo reported that four Russian citizens were among the deceased. In a statement posted to social media, the embassy detailed that all passengers on board were Russian tourists, including minors, traveling with Biblio Globus Egypt Tours, according to the Daily Mail. The fate of some passengers remains unknown as search efforts continue.
The Sindbad submarine, operated by Sharm Hurghada Excursions, has been running tourist trips in Hurghada for several years. It is capable of diving to depths of up to 82 feet (25 meters) and offers a three-hour underwater experience for visitors. The company boasts ownership of two of the 14 recreational submarines in the world. The cause of the sinking has yet to be confirmed, but the fact the weather is warm and sunny will raise questions about the safety measures employed.
Following the disaster, the Red Sea Health Directorate and the Egyptian Ambulance Authority were placed on high alert. Twenty-one ambulances were dispatched to the scene, with injured survivors transported to local hospitals, including Al-Kawthar, one of the largest private hospitals in the city.
Hurghada, a major destination for European tourists, particularly from the U.K. and Germany, serves as a base for several firms offering nautical excursions.
This is not the first maritime accident in the region, the Daily Mail reported. In November 2024, a tourist boat named “Sea Story” sank off Egypt’s Red Sea coast near Marsa Alam, killing 11 passengers. Officials attributed that incident to rough weather, including waves up to 12 feet (4 meters) high and wind speeds of 34 knots (39 miles an hour).
