Tourist submarine carrying 45 Russians sinks in Egypt’s Red Sea: What we know so far

TOI World Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Mar 27, 2025, 17:12 IST

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Tourist submarine carrying 45 Russians sinks in Egypt’s Red Sea: What we know so far

At least six people are feared dead and nine others injured after a tourist submarine sank off the coast of Hurghada, a popular Egyptian resort city along the Red Sea.
Here are the key points about the incident:
Casualties and rescues

Six people are feared dead, while nine others sustained injuries, including four in critical condition.
Twenty-nine passengers were rescued and taken to safety.
Ambulances and emergency services were deployed to the scene, transporting the injured to nearby hospitals.

All tourists were Russian

The Russian Embassy in Egypt said the vessel, owned by the Sindbad Hotel, was carrying 45 Russian tourists, including minors, along with crew members.
All the passengers were part of a tour organized by "Biblio Globus" and its Egyptian partner, "Biblio Globus Egypt Tours."
Diplomats from the Russian General Consulate are currently stationed at the Sindbad hotel pier, monitoring the situation.

The Submarine and its operator

The submarine, called Sindbad, has been operating for years as a tourist attraction in Hurghada.
It offers 45 passenger seats and large viewing windows for underwater sightseeing, according to promotional materials by Sinbad Club, the company believed to operate the vessel.
Advertisements described the experience as providing "air-conditioned comfort and safety."

Incident timeline and rescue efforts

The submarine reportedly sank around 1 pm local time near Hurghada's harbor.
The Egyptian Navy, Coast Guard, and rescue teams were swiftly deployed.
Search and rescue operations remain ongoing, with authorities working to recover any remaining passengers.

Safety concerns and past issues

Reports suggest the Sindbad submarine had experienced technical issues in the past, raising concerns about its safety.
An official investigation is underway to determine the cause of the sinking and evaluate the submarine’s maintenance record.

Impact on Egypt’s tourism industry

Hurghada is a major tourist hub, especially for European visitors, and incidents like this raise concerns about the safety of tourist activities.
Authorities may face increasing pressure to impose stricter regulations on underwater tourism in the wake of the disaster.
The investigation continues as rescue teams remain on-site, and questions grow about the safety standards of deep-sea tourism in Egypt.

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