Tourist Submarine Sinks Off Egypt’s Coast, Leaving 6 Dead and 9 Injured – On March 26, 2025, a tragic incident occurred off the coast of Hurghada, a popular tourist destination along Egypt’s Red Sea, when a tourist submarine sank, leaving six people dead and nine others injured. The incident has raised significant concerns about the safety of water-based tourist activities in the region.
According to Red Sea governor Maj. Gen. Amr Hanafi, the sinking occurred approximately 1,000 meters (0.6 miles) offshore, while the Russian consulate confirmed that the vessel was carrying 45 tourists and five Egyptian crewmembers. The submarine, identified as “Sindbad,” was reportedly on a routine 40-minute underwater tour, cruising at depths of 20 to 25 meters (65-80 feet) with panoramic windows designed to offer passengers views of marine life. The cause of the sinking remains unclear, though authorities are investigating the incident.
The victims of the disaster were primarily Russian nationals, with the governor confirming that all six fatalities were Russian citizens. The Russian consulate later reported that at least two of the deceased were children. In addition to the fatalities, nine other individuals sustained injuries, and 29 of the 39 rescued tourists required medical attention, many of whom were taken to local hospitals for treatment. The rescued individuals included tourists from various countries, including Russia, India, Norway, and Sweden.
Fortunately, there were no reports of any missing passengers, and rescue teams responded quickly to the scene. The Egyptian authorities, including the Red Sea governorate, coordinated the emergency response, ensuring that all survivors were accounted for and safely transported to medical facilities. Footage released by the governor’s office depicted some of the survivors, including a family with two young daughters who were unharmed, as well as a Russian tourist with a bandaged head. In one emotional moment, an Indian tourist asked to see his daughter, who was reported to be in critical condition.
Hurghada, situated along Egypt’s Red Sea coast, is a major destination for diving, snorkeling, and other marine-related activities, primarily due to its rich coral reefs and diverse marine life. The region attracts thousands of tourists each year, particularly those seeking underwater experiences. However, this tragic incident has put a spotlight on the safety protocols of such tours.
The submarine, operated by a company identified by the Russian consulate, had been conducting regular underwater tours for tourists. However, when reached for comment, the company did not respond to phone calls. This lack of communication has fueled concerns about the company’s preparedness and safety measures. Further investigation will likely focus on the cause of the sinking, including potential equipment failure or negligence.
This incident follows a similar tragedy in November 2024 when a tourist yacht sank in the Red Sea, resulting in at least four deaths and 33 rescues. The sinking, which occurred after warnings of rough waters, raised concerns about the safety of maritime activities in the region.
Tourism plays a vital role in Egypt’s economy, with the Red Sea region being a significant contributor. However, incidents like this remind both tourists and operators of the potential risks involved in such ventures. Following the recent increase in regional conflicts, many companies have limited or suspended their operations in the area, further compounding concerns over the safety of tourists.
As Egypt investigates the cause of this tragedy, there will undoubtedly be calls for stricter regulations and enhanced safety protocols to prevent future disasters.
