Egyptian officials have initiated inquiries into the tragic sinking of a tourist submarine in the Red Sea, which resulted in the deaths of six of the 45 passengers onboard. The incident occurred on Thursday at approximately 10:00 local time (08:00 GMT) while the Sindbad submarine was on a sightseeing excursion near the resort town of Hurghada. Among the 39 rescued individuals, including five crew members, nine sustained injuries, with four reported to be in critical condition.
Details of the Incident
The ill-fated submarine was carrying tourists from various countries including Russia, India, Norway, and Sweden. The six fatalities, all identified as Russian nationals, included two married doctors whose daughters were among those hospitalized. The exact identities of the victims have yet to be disclosed.
“The sub was well-maintained and was as shown in the promotional photos,” said Dr. James Aldridge, who previously took the same submarine trip.
According to the Red Sea governor, Amr Hanafy, the submarine had been operating legally with all necessary licenses and its crew possessed the required “scientific certificates.” Preliminary reports suggest that the vessel struck a reef and subsequently lost pressure while submerged at a depth of 20 meters (65 feet).
Safety Concerns and Ongoing Investigation
This incident marks a distressing event for Egypt’s tourism sector, where Russian visitors play a crucial role in bolstering the economy. The Sindbad submarine, noted for its large portholes allowing passengers to view the vibrant coral reefs and marine life, was able to descend to a maximum depth of 25 meters (82 feet).
Previous tourists have described their experiences aboard the submarine as safe and well-organized, with thorough safety briefings provided in multiple languages. However, the circumstances surrounding this tragedy have prompted widespread concern regarding safety protocols for aquatic excursions in the region.
The incident is the second of its kind in the Red Sea within six months, raising pressing questions about the safety measures in place for popular tourist activities near the coast. Last November, a different vessel sank near Marsa Allam, leading to significant loss of life, which has intensified scrutiny on local authorities to ensure stringent safety checks are upheld in the tourism industry.