Six Russian Tourists Killed in Submarine Accident Off Egypt’s Red Sea Coast

A tragic accident off the coast of Hurghada claimed the lives of six Russian tourists and left nine others injured, including four in critical condition, when a tourist submarine sank during a coral reef sightseeing tour on Thursday.

Egyptian authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, questioning crew members about the circumstances leading to the disaster.

According to Red Sea Governor Amr Hanafi, the accident occurred during a routine excursion operated by the “Sindbad” submarine, the only tourist submarine in the area. The vessel was carrying 45 passengers, including tourists from Russia, India, Norway, and Sweden, as well as five Egyptian crew members. Officials confirmed that there are no missing persons.

The Russian consulate in Hurghada stated that most passengers were rescued and transported to hotels and hospitals. Russian state media cited Consul Viktor Voropaev, who confirmed that two children were among the deceased.

Eyewitness accounts provide conflicting explanations for the cause of the accident. One survivor told Russian media that water started flooding the submarine because its hatches were open. Other unverified reports suggest that the vessel may have collided with coral reefs at a depth of 20 meters, leading to a loss of pressure.

Egyptian authorities are now focusing on safety regulations for marine tourism to prevent similar tragedies in the future.