Tragedy Strikes as Tourist Submarine Sinks Off Egypt’s Red Sea Coast

A devastating incident unfolded on Thursday when a tourist submarine, known as “SINDBAD”, tragically sank off the coast of Hurghada, a popular resort city in Egypt’s Red Sea region. The local governor’s office confirmed the heartbreaking news that six foreigners lost their lives in the accident, although the nationalities of the victims have not been officially disclosed.

The Russian consulate in Hurghada revealed that the ill-fated submarine was carrying 45 Russian tourists along with crew members. While the consulate mentioned that four individuals had tragically perished, they did not specify their nationalities.

Despite the grave situation, the consulate reported that the majority of passengers were successfully rescued and transported to nearby hotels and hospitals in Hurghada. However, the fate of some tourists remains uncertain as authorities continue to gather information.

Local media coverage indicated that rescue teams managed to save 29 out of the 45 passengers who were on board the submarine at the time of the incident. The Red Sea, renowned for its breathtaking coral reefs and diverse marine life, serves as a pivotal attraction for Egypt’s tourism industry, which significantly contributes to the nation’s economy.

This tragic event comes just a few months after another maritime accident in November, where a tourist boat capsized off Egypt’s Red Sea coast, resulting in the loss of four lives. The authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the submarine sinking to determine the cause of the tragedy and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.

(Source: Reuters – Reporting by Mohamed Yosry and Mohamed Ezz in Cairo, and Ahmed Elimam in Dubai; Writing by Jana Choukeir and Nayera Abdallah; Editing by Peter Graff, Aidan Lewis)