Importance Score: 72 / 100 🔴
Tourist Submarine Mishap off Hurghada Coast Claims Lives
A tragic incident involving a tourist submarine in the Red Sea off the Egyptian resort city of Hurghada has reportedly resulted in at least six fatalities and nine injuries. The undersea vessel, operated by Sindbad Submarines and designed for recreational excursions, sank in the waters near Hurghada’s Marriot hotel resort.
Incident Overview
According to reports from municipal authorities cited by international news agencies such as Reuters and Associated Press, the deceased are all foreign nationals. The Russian consulate in Hurghada has confirmed that all tourists aboard the submerged submarine were citizens of Russia.
Rescue Efforts and Casualties
“Initial information suggests that a majority of passengers were rescued and subsequently transported to hotels and medical facilities in Hurghada,” stated the Russian consulate. However, they added that the situation regarding the remaining tourists is still under assessment and clarification.
Cause of Submersion Unclear
The reason for the submarine’s sinking remains undetermined at this time. Investigations are likely underway to ascertain the sequence of events leading to the accident.
Sindbad Submarines Operations
Sindbad Submarines, the operator of the ill-fated vessel, advertises short underwater excursions utilizing two submarines. Their website indicates these submarines are designed to operate at a maximum depth of 25 meters (82ft).
The company promotes these submarine tours as an opportunity for tourists to “experience the beauty of the Red Sea’s underwater world without getting wet,” as stated on their website.
Aftermath and Regional Concerns
Local governorate officials informed Reuters that all confirmed deaths involved foreign citizens. Survivors received immediate medical attention, with ambulances transporting them to various hospitals within Hurghada.
Emergency response teams successfully rescued 29 individuals, according to an official statement released by the governorate.
Red Sea Tourism and Safety
In recent years, multiple tourism companies have either suspended or curtailed travel in the Red Sea region due to safety concerns stemming from regional conflicts. Several airlines previously halted package flights to Egypt following the bombing of a Metrojet aircraft.
Past Maritime Incidents
In a separate incident last November, a tourist yacht capsized in the Red Sea amidst warnings of rough sea conditions, as reported by Egyptian officials. That incident resulted in at least four fatalities, while 33 individuals were successfully rescued.