Six Dead After Tourist Submarine Sinks Off Egypt Red Sea Coast

Incident Overview

A tourist submarine named “Sindbad” sank off the coast of Hurghada, Egypt, on Thursday. The vessel was carrying 45 Russian tourists along with crew members when it went down during an underwater excursion.

Casualties and Rescue Operations

Six foreign nationals have been confirmed dead.
The Russian consulate reported four fatalities but did not specify their nationalities.
29 people were rescued and transported to local hospitals and hotels.
The fate of several other passengers remains unclear as rescue operations continue.

Possible Causes and Investigation

Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the sinking. An investigation is currently underway to assess the circumstances that led to the disaster.

Tourism and Maritime Incidents in the Region

The Red Sea is a major destination for tourists, particularly from Russia, due to its coral reefs and marine biodiversity. However, this incident is not the first maritime accident in the area:

In November, a tourist diving boat sank due to high waves, resulting in four deaths and 33 rescues.
In June, another boat sank following storm damage, though no casualties were reported.

Economic Impact

Egypt’s tourism industry plays a crucial role in the country’s economy. In 2024, tourism revenues reached $14.1 billion, surpassing earnings from the Suez Canal. The impact of this latest incident on tourism remains to be seen.

“Six Dead After Tourist Submarine Sinks Off Egypt Red Sea Coast”