Six Dead as Tourist Submarine Sinks Off Egypt’s Red Sea Coast

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Six people, including two minors, lost their lives on Thursday when a tourist submarine carrying dozens of Russian visitors sank off the Red Sea coast near a major Egyptian resort town.

Egyptian state media confirmed the death toll at six, while Russian state news agencies cited General Consul Viktor Voropaev, who reported five confirmed fatalities, including two minors.

The Russian consulate in Hurghada stated that the submarine had been carrying 45 tourists, including minors, on an underwater excursion to observe coral reefs. The vessel reportedly crashed approximately one kilometer from the shore around 10:00 AM local time (0800 GMT).

"According to initial data, most of those on board were rescued and taken to their hotels and hospitals in Hurghada," the consulate reported, adding that diplomatic representatives had been sent to the scene.

The state-owned newspaper Akhbar Al-Youm reported that 29 people were rescued, nine of whom sustained injuries. Russian state news agency Ria Novosti, quoting an Egyptian emergency services source, confirmed the deaths of "five foreigners and one Egyptian."

Local authorities have yet to respond to requests for official comment.

According to the Russian consulate, the vessel belonged to Sindbad Submarines, a company whose website states that its submarines can accommodate 44 passengers and operate at depths of up to 25 meters (27 yards).

Egyptian media confirmed that investigations are underway to determine the cause of the accident.

Hurghada, located approximately 460 kilometers (280 miles) southeast of Cairo, is a major tourist hub. In 2024, the city’s airport recorded over nine million passenger arrivals, underscoring its popularity among international visitors.

At the time of the incident, weather conditions in Hurghada were reported as clear, with above-average winds but optimal underwater visibility.