Importance Score: 75 / 100 🔴
Tourist Submarine Tragedy off Egyptian Coast Claims Lives
A tragic incident unfolded off the coast of Egypt as a tourist submarine submerged in the Red Sea on Thursday, March 27, 2025. The incident, involving a vessel on a coral reef excursion, resulted in fatalities, according to reports from the Russian embassy and Egyptian state media. This submarine sinking is the latest in a series of maritime accidents involving tourist vessels in the region, raising concerns about safety standards.
Details Surrounding the Submarine Sinking
The Sindbad tourist submarine reportedly “crashed” approximately one kilometer from the shore of Hurghada, an Egyptian resort city, around 10:00 a.m. local time on March 27, as stated by the Russian embassy and reported by CNN. Authorities are currently investigating the specifics of the incident surrounding the vessel’s submergence.
Despite the ongoing investigation, the submarine operator maintains that they employ a highly qualified “expert team.” Furthermore, CNN reports that the submarines are “engineered in Finland to withstand underwater pressure up to 75m, ensuring safety and dependability.”
Eyewitness accounts from a survivor, shared with Russian media and reported by the BBC, indicate a potential breach in the vessel’s integrity. The survivor claimed that water began “pouring in” as passengers were seated, and that two hatches were open. The individual further described a sensation of the submarine becoming dislodged.
The precise cause of the incident remains under scrutiny, with Egyptian authorities conducting a thorough investigation to ascertain the factors contributing to the submarine’s sinking.
Past Maritime Incidents
This recent submarine accident follows previous incidents involving tourist boats in Egypt. In November 2024, a diving boat capsized amidst rough seas, reportedly leading to the drowning of four individuals. Earlier in the same year, in June, another boat sank due to storm damage, highlighting a pattern of maritime issues affecting tourist transportation.
Passenger Details and Casualties
Multiple news outlets, including Reuters and CNN, reported that 45 tourists of various nationalities were aboard the submarine, including Russian, Swedish, Indian, and Norwegian citizens. While 39 individuals were rescued, CNN indicated that at least 21 people required hospitalization following the incident.
Reuters further detailed that the total number of individuals aboard the submarine was 50, comprising the 45 tourists and five Egyptian crew members.
Fatalities Confirmed in Submarine Accident
Tragically, at least six fatalities have been confirmed in the March 27 submarine sinking, according to the Russian embassy and Egyptian media sources. Reports indicate that all deceased victims are of Russian nationality, and among them are reportedly two minors. The ages of the deceased are still to be confirmed as authorities continue to investigate the full scope of the disaster.