Tragic Submarine Incident in Red Sea Claims Lives of Six Russian Tourists
Forty-five passengers were aboard the Sindbad submarine during its sinking near Hurghada, with 39 survivors rescued.
On Thursday, six Russian tourists were confirmed dead following the sinking of a tourist submarine near Hurghada, a popular resort destination on Egypt's Red Sea coast.
Egyptian authorities reported that a total of 39 foreign tourists were rescued, and no additional individuals remain unaccounted for.
The incident occurred less than a mile offshore from the Marriott hotel resort, involving the Sindbad submarine, which is part of a recreational fleet operated by Sindbad Submarines.
The Russian embassy in Egypt stated that all 45 individuals aboard the submarine were Russian nationals, including children.
Early reports indicated that the submersible might have experienced a 'crash' during its sightseeing journey to view local coral reefs.
Witnesses reported that emergency crews successfully rescued many passengers, with several injured survivors hospitalized, some in critical condition.
The Red Sea governor, Major General Amr Hanafi, confirmed that all six deceased were Russians, while the identities of the injured have yet to be disclosed.
Initial investigations into the cause of the sinking are being conducted by Egyptian authorities, who are questioning the crew members.
According to officials, the submarine was operating with valid licensing and the crew leader possessed the necessary qualifications.
The Sindbad submarine is designed for tourist excursions lasting between one to three hours, with a maximum operational depth of 25 meters (approximately 80 feet).
The underwater experience was promoted as offering panoramic views of marine life without the need for diving.
Following the incident, the company's website became inaccessible, raising questions about the current state of operations.
In recent years, there have been other notable incidents involving tourist boats in the region, including capsizing due to extreme weather conditions and structural concerns.
Despite safety concerns, tourism remains a vital source of income for Egypt, with Russian visitors comprising a significant portion of the clientele.
The Red Sea area is frequently visited by tourists, and emergency services rapidly responded to the scene soon after the submarine went down.
The investigation into this tragic accident is ongoing.
Egyptian authorities reported that a total of 39 foreign tourists were rescued, and no additional individuals remain unaccounted for.
The incident occurred less than a mile offshore from the Marriott hotel resort, involving the Sindbad submarine, which is part of a recreational fleet operated by Sindbad Submarines.
The Russian embassy in Egypt stated that all 45 individuals aboard the submarine were Russian nationals, including children.
Early reports indicated that the submersible might have experienced a 'crash' during its sightseeing journey to view local coral reefs.
Witnesses reported that emergency crews successfully rescued many passengers, with several injured survivors hospitalized, some in critical condition.
The Red Sea governor, Major General Amr Hanafi, confirmed that all six deceased were Russians, while the identities of the injured have yet to be disclosed.
Initial investigations into the cause of the sinking are being conducted by Egyptian authorities, who are questioning the crew members.
According to officials, the submarine was operating with valid licensing and the crew leader possessed the necessary qualifications.
The Sindbad submarine is designed for tourist excursions lasting between one to three hours, with a maximum operational depth of 25 meters (approximately 80 feet).
The underwater experience was promoted as offering panoramic views of marine life without the need for diving.
Following the incident, the company's website became inaccessible, raising questions about the current state of operations.
In recent years, there have been other notable incidents involving tourist boats in the region, including capsizing due to extreme weather conditions and structural concerns.
Despite safety concerns, tourism remains a vital source of income for Egypt, with Russian visitors comprising a significant portion of the clientele.
The Red Sea area is frequently visited by tourists, and emergency services rapidly responded to the scene soon after the submarine went down.
The investigation into this tragic accident is ongoing.
