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Tourist Submarine Incident in Egypt’s Red Sea Under Investigation Following Fatal Sinking
Egyptian authorities are conducting an inquiry into the tourist submarine incident in the Red Sea, which resulted in the sinking of the vessel and the death of six passengers. The incident occurred off the coast of Hurghada, a popular resort town known for its coral reefs and marine excursions. The crew of the submarine is being questioned as part of the ongoing investigation.
Details of the Submarine Mishap
The Sindbad submarine submerged at approximately 10:00 local time (08:00 GMT). While the vessel encountered distress, 39 passengers and five crew members were successfully rescued on Thursday, according to official reports. However, nine individuals sustained injuries, with four reported to be in critical condition.
The passengers were aboard the sightseeing submarine for an underwater excursion to view the coral reefs surrounding the popular tourist destination of Hurghada.
Casualties Include Russian Tourists
Among the deceased are six Russian tourists, including two children, according to reports from Russian media outlets. The exact cause of the submarine’s sinking remains undetermined.
Sindbad Submarine’s Operational History
The Sindbad submarine has been a fixture in Hurghada’s tourism sector, operating as a tourist submersible for several years.
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Red Sea Governor Amr Hanafy stated that the 45 passengers included individuals from Russia, India, Norway, and Sweden. The five crew members were Egyptian nationals.
Mr. Hanafy confirmed that all six fatalities were Russian citizens, although comprehensive details regarding the victims are still pending official release.
Victims and Investigation
Early reports indicate that two married doctors were among those who perished in the incident, and their daughters are currently receiving hospital treatment, as reported by authorities.
Governor Hanafy asserted that the ill-fated submarine possessed a valid operating license, and the vessel’s captain held all required professional certifications.
The ongoing investigation seeks to determine the precise circumstances leading to the sinking. According to a Telegram post by the Association of Tour Operators of Russia, preliminary information suggests the submarine may have collided with a reef, leading to a loss of pressure while at a depth of 20 meters (65 feet).
Russian tourism is increasingly vital to Egypt’s economy, serving as a crucial source of revenue for the nation.
Hurghada: A Popular Dive Destination
Hurghada, situated southeast of Cairo, is a well-known tourist hotspot, drawing visitors with its attractive beaches and vibrant coral reefs.
The Sindbad submarine, as advertised on its website, was equipped with large viewing ports to provide passengers with panoramic views of the Red Sea’s renowned corals and marine life. It was capable of descending to depths of up to 25 meters (82 feet).
Passenger Account of Previous Submarine Trip
Dr. James Aldridge from Bristol, who experienced the same submarine tour in February 2023, shared his observations with the BBC. “The submersible appeared well-maintained and consistent with promotional materials,” he noted.
“It featured fresh paint, modern equipment, and attentive, professional English-speaking staff, including two divers accompanying the descent.”
Dr. Aldridge recounted that passengers received a safety briefing, available in multiple languages, but life jackets were not distributed.
“The reef tour lasted approximately 40 minutes. For the initial 20 minutes, facing the reef, the submarine maintained a safe distance, and I never felt any sense of danger.
“On the return ascent, I was positioned facing the open ocean,” he added.
Safety Concerns and Previous Red Sea Incident
This incident marks the second such tragedy in the Red Sea region within approximately six months.
In November of last year, a vessel named Sea Story, carrying over 40 individuals, also sank near the Egyptian resort of Marsa Allam. Eleven individuals from that incident remain unaccounted for and are presumed deceased.
The underlying causes of this recent submarine accident are still unclear. However, the recurrence of such incidents raises serious questions regarding the adequacy of safety protocols implemented by local authorities in popular tourist sea excursion areas, and the effectiveness of current safety inspection procedures.