At least six people lost their lives when the “Sindbad” viewing submarine, carrying tourists, sank off the coast of Hurghada, a resort on Egypt’s Red Sea.
Located approximately 250 miles southeast of Cairo, Hurghada is one of Egypt’s premier destinations for international tourists seeking a seaside getaway along the Red Sea.
According to the Red Sea Governorate, the submarine had a total of 50 people onboard, including 45 tourists from various nationalities, Russia, India, Norway, and Sweden, along with five Egyptian crew members.
The submarine was designed with large portholes, allowing passengers to observe the Red Sea’s stunning coral reefs and marine life. According to the company’s website, it could descend to a depth of 25 meters.
The Red Sea remains a key hub for Egypt’s vital tourism industry, a cornerstone of the economy. Russian tourists, in particular, have been playing an increasingly significant role in this sector.
Recent maritime incidents raise safety concerns
In recent months, several tourist boats have capsized off Egypt’s coast. Last June, a vessel sank after severe damage from high waves, though no casualties were reported, Reuters reported.
In November, another tourist boat carrying 31 passengers and 13 crew members overturned during a multi-day diving excursion.
More recently, in February, a tourist boat capsized while travelling to Hurghada shortly after undergoing maintenance.
Despite these incidents, Egypt remains a top tourist destination. A United Nations report ranked the country first in Africa for tourism revenues in 2024, generating $14.1 billion, more than twice its earnings from Suez Canal revenues.
