Department of Research, Studies and International News 28-03-2025
A tragic accident off Egypt’s Red Sea coast claimed the lives of six Russian tourists when a recreational submarine sank near the popular resort city of Hurghada. The incident, which occurred during an underwater sightseeing excursion, also saw 39 individuals rescued and brought to safety.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the disaster, which marks the latest in a series of fatal accidents involving tourists in the region.
The ill-fated submarine, operated by Sindbad Submarines, was a 44-seater vessel offering tourists the opportunity to explore the Red Sea’s coral reefs. The submersible was carrying 45 passengers and five Egyptian crew members when it encountered trouble and sank just a kilometer from the shore, near the Marriott Hotel resort.
Local reports indicate that the vessel may have “crashed” during the tour, though officials have yet to confirm the precise cause of the accident. The Red Sea governor, Major General Amr Hanafi, confirmed in a statement that all six victims were Russian nationals. Among the survivors, four, including at least one child, were admitted to intensive care for treatment.
According to Russia’s Tass news agency, at least two of the deceased were children. However, while the Russian consulate in Hurghada initially reported that all tourists on board were Russian, Egyptian officials stated that the passengers also included individuals from India, Norway, and Sweden.
Authorities responded quickly, dispatching rescue teams to the site of the accident. Hanafi confirmed that all survivors had been accounted for, including the vessel’s crew. A video released by the governor’s office showed an employee from Sindbad Submarines describing the rescue efforts at the hospital.
The cause of the sinking remains under investigation. Officials have assured the public that the submarine had the necessary licenses and that its operator was properly trained. However, the incident has raised fresh concerns over maritime safety standards in Egypt’s tourism industry.
Russia’s Response
The Russian consulate in Hurghada stated that it had dispatched diplomats to assist survivors and investigate the circumstances of the accident. The consulate also confirmed that most of those rescued had been taken either to hospitals or their hotels in Hurghada.
Tourism is a vital component of Egypt’s economy, with Russian visitors playing a significant role in the industry. A United Nations report ranked Egypt as the top tourism earner in Africa in 2024, generating $14.1 billion in revenue—more than double the country’s earnings from the Suez Canal.
Despite its appeal as a travel destination, Egypt’s tourism sector has faced setbacks in recent years due to regional instability. Several travel companies have either suspended or limited operations in the Red Sea, citing security concerns. In 2015, a bomb attack on a Metrojet aircraft departing from Egypt led to widespread suspensions of package flights to the country.
Hurghada remains a major hub for international tourists, with its airport receiving more than nine million passengers last year. The region is particularly popular for snorkeling, diving, and other marine excursions, with dozens of boats navigating its coastal waters daily.
At the time of the accident, weather conditions in Hurghada were generally clear, though above-average winds were reported. Visibility underwater was considered optimal, making it unlikely that external weather conditions played a major role in the incident.
While the investigation into the submarine’s sinking continues, the tragedy has amplified concerns over maritime safety in Egypt’s tourism industry. With repeated incidents occurring along the Red Sea coast, experts and officials may push for stricter enforcement of safety protocols to prevent future accidents.
As the country mourns yet another loss in its tourism sector, authorities will need to ensure that proper measures are taken to safeguard visitors while maintaining Egypt’s reputation as a world-class travel destination.
