CAIRO, Egypt. Six Russian nationals died, and 39 foreign tourists were rescued after a sightseeing submarine sank off the coast of Hurghada, a popular Egyptian Red Sea resort, on Thursday, according to the Red Sea Governorate. Authorities confirmed that all passengers and crew members had been accounted for.
The sunken vessel, the Sindbad, had 50 people onboard: 45 tourists from Russia, India, Norway, and Sweden, and five Egyptian crew members.
“Most of those on board were rescued and taken to their hotels and hospitals in Hurghada,” the Russian consulate in Hurghada stated.
The Sindbad was a recreational submarine designed for underwater excursions, allowing passengers to observe the Red Sea’s vibrant coral reefs and marine life through its large portholes. According to the operator’s website, the vessel could descend up to 25 meters below the surface.
Investigations Underway
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the sinking. Red Sea Governor Amr Hanafy confirmed that the submarine was licensed, and its captain held proper certification. Officials are questioning the crew as part of the inquiry.
Tourism Hub at Risk?
The Red Sea is a crucial destination for Egypt’s tourism industry, which remains a key pillar of the country’s economy. Russian tourists, in particular, represent a growing share of visitors. Egypt, known for its pyramids, Nile cruises, and diving spots, relies heavily on tourism revenue, which a United Nations report ranked as the highest in Africa in 2024 at $14.1 billion—more than double its Suez Canal earnings.
However, concerns over maritime safety have been rising following a series of accidents.
- June 2023: A tourist boat sank due to high waves, but all passengers survived.
- November 2023: A vessel carrying 31 tourists and 13 crew members capsized, with local media reporting at least 11 fatalities.
- February 2024: After undergoing maintenance, a tourist boat sank while heading to Hurghada.
Despite these incidents, Egyptian authorities maintain that safety inspections are regularly conducted. The Tourism Ministry and the Chamber of Diving have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the latest tragedy.
Gary P Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
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