In brief
Egyptian officials are probing the crew of a tourist submarine that sank in the Red Sea, resulting in the death of six out of 45 passengers. The Sindbad submarine sank on Thursday around 10:00 local time, leading to the rescue of 39 passengers and five crew members, with nine suffering injuries, four critically. Among those deceased were two Russian children, according to local media, while the submerged vessel was notably engaged in underwater sightseeing of coral reefs off Hurghada, famed for its beautiful beaches.
The Red Sea governor, Amr Hanafy, confirmed the nationality of the victims, with a majority being Russian tourists. The deceased included two married doctors, leaving their daughters hospitalized. Initial reports indicate that the submarine was licensed and the crew leader had the necessary certifications. The Association of Tour Operators of Russia indicated that the vessel may have struck a reef while diving to a depth of 20 meters, which resulted in the loss of pressure. Dr. James Aldridge, who traveled on the same submarine earlier this year, described the craft as well-maintained and equipped with safety measures. However, concerns regarding safety checks and protocols in light of this incident and a prior sinking in November 2022 are beginning to surface. The frequent nature of such incidents raises significant questions about maritime safety in popular tourist areas like the Red Sea, prompting a wider investigation into current practices.
