Tragedy Strikes: Six Tourists Confirmed Dead, 39 Rescued Following Submarine Disaster in the Red Sea
Tragedy struck off the shores of the Egyptian Red Sea resort town of Hurghada, where a viewing submarine, the “Sindbad”, sank, resulting in the loss of six lives and the rescue of 39 others.
The local governor’s office confirmed that the deceased were Russian nationals, whereas those successfully rescued comprise a group of foreign tourists. Fortunately, no passengers or crew members remain unaccounted for.
The submarine was carrying a total of 50 individuals: 45 tourists from various nationalities, including Russia, India, Norway, and Sweden, alongside five Egyptian crew members. According to the Russian consulate in Hurghada, “Most of those on board were rescued and taken to their hotels and local hospitals.”
This incident highlights the significance of the Red Sea as a vital conduit for Egypt’s tourism industry—a sector that serves as a cornerstone of the nation’s economy, notably enhanced by the increasing presence of Russian tourists.
In light of this incident, Egyptian authorities have commenced investigations involving the crew members to uncover the factors leading to the submarine’s sinking. Red Sea Province Governor Amr Hanafy reassured the public that both the submarine and its crew captain were properly licensed.
Located approximately 460 kilometers southeast of Cairo, Hurghada serves as a prominent tourist destination, with its airport welcoming over nine million passengers last year, as reported by state media.
Today’s weather forecast for the area indicates clear skies, with above-average winds but excellent underwater visibility—an optimal setting for the numerous tourist boats that regularly navigate these coastal waters for snorkeling and diving activities. As highlighted by the Sindbad Submarines company, they operate the region’s “only real” recreational submarine.
The Sindbad has been a familiar sight in the waters of the Red Sea for several years, as noted by a source familiar with the company’s operations.
With the allure of the Red Sea’s coral reefs and islands off Egypt’s eastern coast, tourism remains a crucial sector, employing around two million people and generating over 10% of the nation’s GDP.
However, it is essential to acknowledge that the area has experienced several tragic incidents in recent years. In November, a dive boat capsized off the coast of Marsa Alam, leading to four fatalities and seven individuals missing. Additionally, in June of the previous year, two dozen French tourists were safely evacuated just before their boat succumbed to similar misfortune. This year alone, three British tourists lost their lives in a fire aboard their yacht.
Such incidents serve as a reminder of the perils inherent in tourism activities, even as the Red Sea continues to attract visitors from around the globe.
“We must learn from these tragic events to ensure the safety and well-being of all who seek to explore our stunning underwater world,” a local representative remarked. This sentiment echoes the continuous need for vigilance in the face of adventure.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
