Importance Score: 70 / 100 🔴
Tourist Submarine Mishap off Hurghada Coast: Fatalities and Injuries Reported
A tourist submarine has sunk near the popular resort city of Hurghada, Egypt, resulting in at least six fatalities and multiple injuries. The underwater vessel, carrying approximately 44 individuals, experienced the incident roughly one kilometer from the shore. Emergency services initiated rescue operations, successfully saving 29 people following the submarine accident. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
Submarine Incident Details
The incident occurred this morning, close to the Hurghada holiday resort, and involved a tourist submarine identified as Sindbad. According to a statement from the Red Sea governorate, rescue teams have successfully rescued 29 individuals. However, nine people sustained injuries in the disaster, with four reported to be in critical condition.
Casualties Include Russian Citizens
The Russian embassy in Cairo confirmed that among the deceased are four Russian nationals. Initial reports suggest the passengers were of diverse nationalities, however, the Russian embassy later indicated that all tourists on board were Russian citizens.
Emergency Response Activated
Upon receiving reports of the submarine sinking near the Sindbad Club Hotel marina, the Red Sea Security Directorate, along with the Red Sea Health Directorate and the Egyptian Ambulance Authority, were placed on high alert. Approximately 21 ambulances were dispatched to the scene to transport the injured to local medical facilities, including Al-Kawthar Hospital, to address the severity of their conditions.
Details of the Tourist Excursion
According to information released by the Russian embassy in Egypt via social media, the incident involving the ‘Sindbad’ submersible occurred around 10:00 AM local time on March 27th.
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- Purpose of Trip: The submarine was conducting a routine underwater excursion to view coral reefs.
- Passengers: There were 45 tourists, including minors, in addition to crew members on board.
- Nationality: All tourists were reportedly Russian citizens, traveling with the tour company ‘Biblio Globus’.
The embassy statement indicated that the majority of passengers were rescued and transported to hotels and hospitals in Hurghada, with their health not considered to be of serious concern, apart from the fatalities. The fate of a few individuals was still being determined at the time of the report.
Submarine Operations and Previous Incidents
Egyptian officials, speaking anonymously to the Associated Press, stated the submarine departed from a beach in the tourist promenade area. The excursion aimed to showcase Egypt’s vibrant coral reefs and marine life to passengers before the vessel sank.
Long-Operating Tourist Attraction
The Sindbad submarine has been offering tourist voyages in Hurghada for several years. Operator Sharm Hurghada Excursions advertises the underwater tour as a three-hour experience, allowing guests to explore the underwater environment at depths of up to 72 feet. The company markets itself as possessing two of only 14 operational recreational submarines globally, featuring passenger seating and viewing windows.
Past Maritime Incidents in the Region
This recent event is not isolated. In November of the previous year, another tourist vessel, named Sea Story, sank off Egypt’s Red Sea coast near Marsa Alam. Survivors of the Sea Story incident cited a large wave causing the boat to capsize rapidly during adverse weather conditions that included high waves and strong winds. UK investigators have reported a pattern of incidents involving similar vessels in the Red Sea region over the past five years.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the sinking and the specific circumstances surrounding the Sindbad submarine incident are currently under investigation. Authorities are working to determine the sequence of events leading to this tragic submarine accident in Hurghada.