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Thursday, Apr 03, 2025
Outside the box.
Six Russian Tourists Die in Submarine Accident off Egypt's Red Sea Coast
A submarine carrying 45 tourists sank near Hurghada, leading to the deaths of six Russians, including two minors.
On Thursday, a tragic incident occurred off the coast of Hurghada, Egypt, when a submarine carrying tourists sank, resulting in the deaths of six Russian nationals, including two minors.
The vessel was reportedly on an underwater excursion to view coral reefs when it sank approximately one kilometer from the shore at around 10 a.m. local time.
The Red Sea region's governor, Amr Hanafi, confirmed that 39 passengers were rescued and that no one remained missing.
The Russian general consul, Viktor Voropaev, provided details about the casualties, reiterating that among the deceased were two minors.
The submarine, owned by Sindbad Submarines, had a capacity of 44 passengers and two crew members.
At the time of the incident, the submarine was carrying a total of 45 tourists of various nationalities, which included Russian, Indian, Norwegian, and Swedish passengers, as well as five Egyptian crew members.
The consulate indicated that most survivors were taken to local hotels and hospitals following the accident.
Witness reports from employees of Sindbad Submarines detailed the daring rescue, where six individuals were initially submerged but later recovered from the water.
Among the surviving passengers, at least one minor has been admitted to intensive care.
Emergency services responded promptly to the scene, dispatching 21 ambulances to assist with the aftermath.
Authorities have begun investigations to determine the cause of the submarine's sinking, with a statement from the governor's office affirming that the vessel held a valid operating license and that its captain was adequately qualified.
The submarine had been operational in the region for several years and was described as the only recreational submarine in the area.
Hurghada, situated approximately 400 kilometers southeast of Cairo, is a popular tourist destination, with its airport serving over nine million passengers in the previous year.
The region is well-known for its snorkeling and diving opportunities, attracting visitors to its vibrant coral reefs and picturesque islands.
The tourism sector in Egypt is a significant contributor to the national economy, employing around two million people and generating more than 10% of the country’s GDP.
This incident marks the latest in a series of maritime accidents in the area.
Notably, in November, a dive boat capsized near Marsa Alam, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and leaving seven others missing.
The vessel was reportedly on an underwater excursion to view coral reefs when it sank approximately one kilometer from the shore at around 10 a.m. local time.
The Red Sea region's governor, Amr Hanafi, confirmed that 39 passengers were rescued and that no one remained missing.
The Russian general consul, Viktor Voropaev, provided details about the casualties, reiterating that among the deceased were two minors.
The submarine, owned by Sindbad Submarines, had a capacity of 44 passengers and two crew members.
At the time of the incident, the submarine was carrying a total of 45 tourists of various nationalities, which included Russian, Indian, Norwegian, and Swedish passengers, as well as five Egyptian crew members.
The consulate indicated that most survivors were taken to local hotels and hospitals following the accident.
Witness reports from employees of Sindbad Submarines detailed the daring rescue, where six individuals were initially submerged but later recovered from the water.
Among the surviving passengers, at least one minor has been admitted to intensive care.
Emergency services responded promptly to the scene, dispatching 21 ambulances to assist with the aftermath.
Authorities have begun investigations to determine the cause of the submarine's sinking, with a statement from the governor's office affirming that the vessel held a valid operating license and that its captain was adequately qualified.
The submarine had been operational in the region for several years and was described as the only recreational submarine in the area.
Hurghada, situated approximately 400 kilometers southeast of Cairo, is a popular tourist destination, with its airport serving over nine million passengers in the previous year.
The region is well-known for its snorkeling and diving opportunities, attracting visitors to its vibrant coral reefs and picturesque islands.
The tourism sector in Egypt is a significant contributor to the national economy, employing around two million people and generating more than 10% of the country’s GDP.
This incident marks the latest in a series of maritime accidents in the area.
Notably, in November, a dive boat capsized near Marsa Alam, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and leaving seven others missing.
