In brief
In a devastating incident, a submarine carrying international tourists sank in the Red Sea near Hurghada, leading to six fatalities and raising serious questions about maritime safety.
Six people have tragically died after a tourist submarine sank just off the coast of Egypt's Red Sea, according to local authorities. A total of 39 individuals were rescued, with nine suffering injuries; four of them are reported to be in critical condition following the disaster that occurred early Thursday near Hurghada. The submarine, known as Sindbad, was carrying 45 individuals when it submerged close to the harbour.Local governor Amr Hanafy confirmed that all of the deceased were Russian nationals, including two children. The victims also included a married couple who were doctors, affirmed the Russian officials in Hurghada. The passengers on board were reportedly from various countries, including India, Norway, Sweden, and Egypt.The Sindbad submarine has been operational for several years, providing tours that allow passengers to explore the nearby coral reefs at depths of up to 25 meters (82 feet). The company claims to operate one of the few recreational submarines in the world of its kind, which accommodates 44 passengers. Eyewitness accounts suggest that previous excursions typically included safety briefings and comfortable conditions.However, some prior passengers reported unsettling experiences during their trips. For instance, Benjamin Grey recalled a trip where the submarine surfaced multiple times, and passengers were not briefed on safety protocols, raising concerns about operational standards.The submarine sank approximately one kilometer (0.6 miles) from the Hurghada coast, around 10:00 local time (08:00 GMT). Hurghada is known for its vibrant tourism industry, particularly for water sports and explorative boat trips. However, the area has faced scrutiny due to past maritime accidents, including a sinking incident involving another vessel last November that resulted in multiple fatalities.Currently, investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the submarine's sinking. According to authorities, the vessel was certified for operation, with the captain possessing the necessary qualifications. Preliminary reports indicated calm weather conditions at the time of the incident, suggesting other factors may have contributed to the tragedy. The local tourism authority is facing renewed scrutiny regarding safety practices in a region where marine accidents have raised alarms in recent years.
