A tragic incident occurred in the Red Sea when the Sindbad tourist submarine sank, resulting in the deaths of six Russian tourists, including two children. The vessel, which was carrying 45 passengers, began to submerge shortly after departure from the resort town of Hurghada, leading to a chaotic rescue operation.
Key Takeaways
- Six Russian tourists, including two children, died in the incident.
- The submarine sank shortly after departing for a coral reef tour.
- Investigations are ongoing, with crew members being questioned.
- Survivors reported that the submarine’s hatches were open during the descent.
Incident Overview
On March 27, 2025, the Sindbad submarine set off from Hurghada for a sightseeing tour of coral reefs. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the submarine began to sink while passengers were still boarding, with reports indicating that the hatches were left open, allowing water to flood in rapidly.
Survivors described the panic as the vessel submerged, with many struggling to escape. A total of 39 passengers were rescued, but nine sustained injuries, four of whom are in critical condition. The victims included a married couple of doctors and their two children, highlighting the tragedy’s impact on families.
Eyewitness Accounts
Survivors have shared harrowing details of the incident:
- Elena Boldareva, a survivor, recounted how the submarine began to dive with its hatches open, leading to a swift influx of water. She managed to escape with her husband while her daughters were hospitalized.
- Another survivor, Regina, noted that the descent began while passengers were still boarding, and she emphasized the lack of safety measures, such as life jackets, on the pontoon.
Investigation and Response
Egyptian authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, questioning the crew members to determine the cause of the sinking. The Red Sea governor, Amr Hanafy, confirmed that the submarine was licensed and that the crew had the necessary qualifications. However, the Association of Tour Operators of Russia suggested that the submarine may have collided with a reef, leading to a loss of pressure at a depth of 65 feet.
Safety Concerns in the Red Sea
This incident raises significant concerns about the safety protocols for tourist vessels operating in the Red Sea, a popular destination for scuba divers and underwater tours. Previous accidents, including a dive boat capsizing last November, have prompted calls for stricter safety regulations and inspections of recreational vessels.
Conclusion
The sinking of the Sindbad submarine is a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with underwater tourism. As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of future excursions to prevent such tragedies from occurring again. The Russian embassy in Cairo has expressed condolences to the families of the victims, emphasizing the need for thorough investigations and improved safety measures in the tourism sector.
Sources
- Egypt submarine crew questioned over sinking that killed 6 after witness claims ‘dive hatches left open’ | The Sun, The Sun.
- Crew involved in deadly tourist submarine incident in Red Sea questioned by authorities, upi.
- Crew questioned after Red Sea submarine sinks killing six, Bundle.
- Egypt submarine crew made one fatal mistake before vessel sank killing 6 people, The Mirror.
