At least six individuals have lost their lives after a submarine, which was transporting 44 tourists, sank near Egypt’s coastline.
The vessel, known as Sindbad, was on an excursion with around 44 international travelers, including minors, when it went down off the marina adjacent to the Sindbad Club Hotel. According to a statement from the Red Sea governorate, rescue teams have successfully retrieved 29 survivors. Egyptian authorities have confirmed that at least six people have died, while the Russian embassy in Cairo reported that all passengers were Russian nationals, including four of the deceased.
Russian news outlets have suggested that the death toll could rise to nine, with unverified reports indicating that the submarine struck a reef and suffered a ‘depressurization’ incident at a depth of 65 feet, leading to its sinking. Approximately 21 ambulances were dispatched to the location to transport the injured to nearby hospitals, such as Al-Kawthar, due to their critical conditions.
While some reports mentioned passengers of various nationalities, the Russian embassy in Egypt clarified via Facebook that all individuals aboard were Russian. The embassy’s post detailed that on March 27, at around 10:00 AM, an accident occurred involving the Sindbad submarine about 1 kilometer from shore during a routine underwater excursion to explore coral reefs.
The statement emphasized that there were 45 tourists onboard, all of whom were Russian citizens associated with the tour company ‘Biblio Globus,’ which operates in Egypt. It also noted that most passengers had been rescued and taken to hotels and hospitals in Hurghada, with their health not being a major concern. Four fatalities have been confirmed, and efforts are ongoing to ascertain the status of several other tourists.
Diplomatic representatives from the General Consulate are present at the pier of the Sindbad hotel. The submarine had set off from one of the beaches in the tourist area, as unnamed Egyptian officials informed AP.
The passengers were on a trip to observe Egypt’s vibrant coral reefs and marine life before the submarine, capable of diving up to 72 feet, sank. This submarine has been conducting tourist excursions in Hurghada for several years.
According to Sharm Hurghada Excursions, the underwater tour lasts three hours and costs £68 for adults and £35 for children. The company highlights that its excursions provide an opportunity for visitors to experience Hurghada’s aquatic life and extensive coral reefs without getting wet, showcasing underwater views at depths of 72 feet. They also claim to operate two of the only 14 genuine recreational submarines globally.
The Sindbad Submarines website states: “It accommodates 44 passengers, features two pilot seats, and offers a large round viewing window for each guest.”
