Cairo — At least six people have died, and nine others sustained injuries after a tourist submarine sank off the coast of Hurghada, Egypt, during an underwater excursion.
The watercraft, named Sindbad, submerged approximately one kilometer offshore, triggering an urgent rescue operation. Emergency responders successfully saved 29 people, who have since undergone medical evaluations. However, four of the injured remain in critical condition, according to reports from Daily Mail UK.
Russian Nationals Among Victims
The Russian embassy in Cairo confirmed that all passengers on board, including children, were Russian nationals. Viktor Voropaev, Russia’s consul general in the Red Sea region, stated that at least five Russian citizens, including two children, were among the deceased.
The Sindbad tragedy has drawn comparisons to the Titan submersible incident, which claimed five lives in June 2023 during an expedition to the Titanic wreck. Both incidents highlight the risks of deep-sea tourism, where adventurous passengers seek unique underwater experiences.
While passengers aboard the Sindbad submarine reportedly paid as little as £35 for a 72-foot dive, those on the Titan submersible had spent up to £186,000 for their voyage.
Investigation into Safety Measures
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, focusing on potential safety lapses in tourist-operated submarine excursions. Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the exact number of fatalities, with Egyptian officials confirming six deaths, while the Russian embassy initially reported four.
– 21 ambulances were dispatched to the scene.
– Survivors were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
– Officials are working to support victims’ families.
As inquiries continue, further details on the cause of the sinking and potential regulatory failures are expected to emerge.
