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Tourist Submarine Tragedy in Red Sea: British Holidaymakers Recount Past Voyages
In the wake of the devastating sinking of the Sindbad tourist submarine in the Red Sea, which tragically claimed the lives of six individuals just days ago, British tourists who previously journeyed on the vessel have expressed their profound shock and shared their experiences. The incident has cast a shadow over submarine excursions in popular holiday destinations like Egypt, prompting safety concerns and reflections from past passengers.
British Woman Details Previous Submarine Excursion
Experience Before the Disaster
Kelly Collins, a 32-year-old HGV driver from Wigan, Greater Manchester, embarked on a dive aboard the Sindbad submarine just days prior to the fatal incident on Monday, March 24. During her holiday with her partner, Sharon, 54, Collins descended 25 meters beneath the surface, an experience she now reflects upon with considerable unease.
Reaction to the Submarine Accident
Upon hearing the news of the tragedy, Collins conveyed her distress. “I am shocked, saddened, and in disbelief regarding the unfortunate individuals on the submarine,” she stated. The experience has profoundly impacted her perspective, with Collins adding, “I believe this occurrence has deterred me from future submarine voyages.”
Trip Description
Collins recounted the details of her underwater tour, explaining:
- The excursion commenced with a 30-minute boat transfer to the submarine docking platform.
- Passengers then transitioned from the boat to the submarine itself.
- The submarine voyage lasted approximately 40 minutes.
- Finally, a 30-minute boat journey returned them to the shore.
Another UK National Reflects on Past Sindbad Submersible Trip
Family Holiday Submarine Adventure
Tom McDowell, a 63-year-old food manufacturer from Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland, also shared his recollections of traveling on the Sindbad submarine. McDowell, accompanied by his daughter Sarah, 29, her boyfriend Robert, 28, and grandson Jacob, 12, undertook the submarine trip during a family vacation in Hurghada, Egypt, the previous year. His wife, Violet, 69, opted not to participate, anticipating a claustrophobic environment.
Perception of Safety Onboard
McDowell was among roughly 40 individuals aboard the fully occupied 30-meter submarine. Initially “nervous” about entering the submersible, he described feeling “at ease” due to the “very professional” setup. He recalled being impressed by the crew’s safety consciousness during his trip. “When I was onboard, I was surprised by how safety-focused the crew were,” McDowell noted. He further described the vessel as “sturdy” and the staff, including the captain, as “very friendly and professional.”
Shock and Sympathy
Expressing his reaction to the sinking, McDowell stated, “I was shocked when I read the news that it has sunk – my heart goes out to the victims.”
Recounting the Submarine Experience
McDowell detailed the process of boarding the submarine:
- Access to the submarine commenced with a boat departing from the pier on the private beach of the Sindbad Club hotel.
- This boat conveyed passengers to the submarine docking platform.
- From there, individuals boarded the submarine through a hatch located on its top.
He mentioned that the captain and two staff members were present onboard, all of whom he found “very helpful and friendly.”
“I did not feel endangered at any point during the trip – everyone seemed very secure as it appeared to be operated correctly,” McDowell added, reiterating the presence of approximately 40 passengers and emphasizing the spaciousness of the submarine despite being fully booked.
Underwater Sightseeing and Cost
According to McDowell, the submarine excursion, priced at £40 per adult and £20 per child, lasted around 30 minutes in total. The vessel descended to a depth of 25 meters, allowing passengers to observe the reefs and marine life. “It was a picturesque journey, with ample sights to behold,” he recalled. “There was also a diver who swam around the submersible and waved at us.” He concluded, “It was a worthwhile expenditure.”
Long-Term Impact and Future Submarine Travel
Reflecting on the recent tragedy, McDowell asserted his decision to abstain from submarine trips in the future. “You don’t consider the possibility of something going amiss when it’s your turn, but unfortunately, accidents do occur,” he acknowledged.