Six Dead, 39 Tourists Rescued After Submarine Sinks in Red Sea
Six Russian tourists lost their lives on Thursday, while 39 others were rescued after a sightseeing submarine sank off the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Hurghada, according to the Red Sea Governorate. Authorities confirmed that all passengers and crew members have been accounted for.
The ill-fated vessel, named Sindbad, had 50 people onboard, including 45 tourists from Russia, India, Norway, and Sweden, along with five Egyptian crew members. The submarine was specifically designed for underwater tourism, featuring large portholes to offer passengers a glimpse of the Red Sea’s stunning coral reefs and marine life. It was capable of descending to depths of 25 meters, as per the company’s website.
Unlike the tragic 2023 Titan submersible incident near the Titanic wreck in the Atlantic, the Sindbad was a leisure craft intended for shallow-water excursions rather than deep-sea exploration.
Investigation Underway
Egyptian authorities have launched an investigation into the sinking. Red Sea Province Governor Amr Hanafy stated that the submarine was licensed, as was its captain. However, officials are questioning the crew to determine the exact cause of the accident.
The incident is part of a troubling pattern of maritime accidents in the region. Last June, a tourist boat sank due to severe high waves, though no casualties were reported. In November, another tourist boat carrying 31 visitors and 13 crew members capsized, resulting in at least 11 fatalities. More recently, in February, a tourist boat capsized while en route to Hurghada after undergoing maintenance.
Egypt’s Tourism Industry Under Spotlight
The Red Sea is a key attraction for Egypt’s tourism industry, a crucial pillar of the nation’s economy. Russian tourists form a significant portion of the country’s visitors, drawn to the Red Sea’s world-class diving sites, as well as the pyramids of Giza and Nile cruises in Luxor and Aswan.
Successive Egyptian governments have cracked down on militant groups that have previously targeted foreign visitors, aiming to secure the tourism sector. However, repeated maritime incidents raise concerns about safety regulations in the industry.
Despite these challenges, Egypt remains a leading tourist destination in Africa. A United Nations report ranked the country first on the continent in tourism revenues for 2024, with earnings of $14.1 billion—more than twice its revenue from the Suez Canal.
The Tourism Ministry and the Chamber of Diving have yet to respond to media inquiries regarding the incident. As investigations continue, authorities are expected to enforce stricter safety measures to prevent future tragedies in one of the world’s most popular diving destinations.
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Six Dead, 39 Tourists Rescued After Submarine Sinks in Red Sea