Tourist Submarine Sinks in Red Sea, Killing Six Including Children
Egyptian-Russian rescue operation recovers 29 survivors as questions mount over underwater tourism safety
Hurghada, Egypt – A tourist submarine carrying 44 people sank near Egypt’s Red Sea resort of Hurghada early Tuesday morning, leaving at least six dead – including children – and nine injured, four critically. The “Sindbad” watercraft submerged just one kilometer offshore during what should have been a routine 72-foot dive.
Key Developments
✔ Casualties: Six confirmed dead (Russian embassy initially reported four)
✔ Nationalities: All passengers believed to be Russian nationals
✔ Rescue: 29 survivors evacuated; 21 ambulances deployed
✔ Children Affected: Two minors among fatalities per Russian consul
Operation Details
The rapid-response rescue contrasted sharply with 2023’s Titan disaster:
- 4-hour operation vs Titan’s 4-day search
- Shallow depth (72ft) vs Titan’s 12,500ft dive
- Cost disparity: £35 tickets vs Titan’s £186,000 expeditions
Russian Consul General Viktor Voropaev confirmed to TASS: “We’re coordinating with Egyptian authorities to repatriate victims and assist survivors.”
Safety Concerns Resurface
The incident revives scrutiny of adventure tourism after multiple warnings:
- 2021 UNESCO report flagged unregulated submarine tours in Red Sea
- 2023 Titan implosion exposed certification gaps
- Egypt’s 2024 tourism boom saw 45% spike in underwater excursions
Maritime safety expert Dr. Hani El-Sayed told AFP: “These vessels often operate in regulatory gray zones – designed for visibility, not emergencies.”
Ongoing Investigations
Egyptian authorities are examining:
- Maintenance records of 15-year-old Sindbad
- Passenger load vs capacity
- Emergency response protocols