Tourist Submarine Carrying 44 Passengers Sinks Off Egypt’s Red Sea Coast

Incident Overview

A tourist submarine named Sindbad sank off the coast of Hurghada, Egypt, in the Red Sea on Thursday morning.
The vessel had 44 passengers on board, including people of various nationalities.
The incident occurred near the harbor, where the submarine was on a routine trip to explore Egypt’s coral reefs and marine life.

Six passengers are feared dead.
Nine people sustained injuries, with four in critical condition.
29 passengers were successfully rescued.
Emergency response teams dispatched 21 ambulances to transport the injured to hospitals.
Survivors with minor injuries were treated at the scene, while critically injured passengers were rushed to medical facilities for urgent care.

The Sindbad submarine is one of only 14 real recreational submarines worldwide.
Designed in Finland, the vessel has been in operation for years as a popular marine tourism attraction.
It was built to carry 44 passengers and two crew members.
The submarine could dive to depths of 82 feet (25 meters) to explore a 500-meter stretch of coral reef.
The tour cost per passenger:
- $69 for adults
- $33 for children
- Infants could board for free

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the disaster, but possible factors include:

Mechanical failure – A technical issue may have led to water entering the vessel.
Human error – A navigation or operational mistake could have played a role.
Structural damage – Any wear and tear on the vessel may have compromised its safety.
External factors – Unfavorable weather conditions or underwater obstacles may have contributed.

Local authorities launched a full investigation into the Sindbad submarine accident.
Governor Amr Hanafy confirmed that authorities are reviewing safety protocols and submarine maintenance records.
Rescue operations were swift, ensuring as many passengers as possible were saved.
Survivors and eyewitnesses are being interviewed to determine the exact sequence of events.

A French tourist onboard recounted:
“We were enjoying the beautiful underwater views when we suddenly heard a loud noise. Then water started rushing in. It was terrifying.”
A British survivor shared:
“The crew tried to keep us calm, but once the submarine started tilting, people panicked. We were rushed out as fast as possible.”

This is not the first incident involving a tourist vessel sinking in Egypt.

November 2024 – Tourist Yacht “Sea Story” Sank
- A 44-passenger yacht sank near Marsa Alam, Egypt.
- Three passengers died, while 28 were rescued.
- Cause: A large wave capsized the yacht despite prior warnings of rough seas.

These recurring incidents raise concerns about the safety of marine tourism in Egypt.

Authorities are focusing on key safety concerns, including:

Submarine’s last maintenance check – Was the Sindbad properly inspected before the trip?
Crew training and emergency protocols – Were the staff adequately prepared for a crisis?
Weather conditions & operational risks – Did any external factors contribute to the sinking?
Tourist safety regulations – Are Egypt’s marine tourism safety standards sufficient?

Egypt is a top global destination for marine tourism.
The Red Sea’s coral reefs attract thousands of divers and underwater explorers every year.
This tragedy may affect tourist confidence, leading to:
- Lower bookings for submarine tours and marine activities
- Increased scrutiny on safety regulations
- Potential legal actions against tour operators

International travel experts are calling for stricter safety standards in Egypt’s marine tourism sector.
Tourism agencies may revise travel advisories, affecting the number of visitors choosing Egypt’s diving and underwater attractions.
Families of the deceased are calling for accountability and damages for the accident.

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