Six Tourists Including an Indian Dead as Submarine Sinks Near Egypt

At least six Russian tourists died after a tourist submarine, Sindbad, sank off the coast of Hurghada, a popular Red Sea resort city in Egypt. The vessel was carrying 45 tourists and five Egyptian crew members when it went down approximately one kilometre from the shore in the promenade area.

The Red Sea governorate reported that 39 foreign tourists were rescued, and no one remains missing. According to Red Sea Governor Amr Hanafi, rescue teams responded swiftly to the scene. Russia’s consulate in Hurghada confirmed the casualties and stated that most passengers were either returned to their hotels or transported to hospitals for treatment.

The cause of the sinking remains unclear. Weather conditions were reportedly calm, with excellent underwater visibility at the time of the incident. Local newspaper Akhbar Al-Youm reported that an investigation is underway to determine what led to the tragedy.

The Sindbad submarine, according to its website, was designed for underwater tourism, equipped with large viewing portholes and capable of diving up to 25 meters (82 feet). It offered tourists a chance to explore the Red Sea’s vibrant coral reefs and marine life.

Hurghada, located about 460 kilometres southeast of Cairo, is a major tourist hub that attracts thousands of visitors annually, many of them Russian nationals.

Despite these safety concerns, Egypt remains a top tourist destination. A 2024 UN report ranked the country first in Africa for tourism revenue, generating $14.1 billion—more than double the revenue from the Suez Canal.