Six dead, 39 rescued after tourist submarine sinks off Egypt's Red Sea coast - UPDATED

27 Mar 2025 19:19
27 Mar 2025 19:37

1020890
World
Share

Six dead, 39 rescued after tourist submarine sinks off Egypt's Red Sea coast - UPDATED

Photo: Sindbad Submarines

A recreational submarine taking 45 tourists on an underwater cruise of coral reefs in the Red Sea sank off the Egyptian resort town of Hurghada on Thursday, leaving six Russians dead, the provincial governor said.

The remaining tourists, more than two dozen of whom were injured, were rescued, he said, News.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The cause of the sinking was not immediately known. The Russian consulate said it took place about 1,000 meters (0.6 miles) offshore.

The submarine was carrying 45 tourists and five Egyptian crewmembers when it sank, Red Sea governor Maj. Gen. Amr Hanafi, said in a statement, adding that rescue teams were quickly sent.

He said all six dead were Russians, and that 29 of the 39 tourists rescued were injured and taken to hospitals. No one was still missing from the vessel, he said, suggesting the crew had also been rescued.

Hurghada is a major destination for divers, snorkelers and other tourists drawn by the Red Sea's extensive coral reefs.

The submarine, named “Sindbad,” runs 1- to 3-hour tours, usually cruising at about 20-25 meters (65-80 feet) underwater with panoramic windows on the bottom to give views of the marine life, according to the website of the company that the Russian consulate identified as running the vessel.

The company did not respond to phone calls seeking comment.

Russia’s Tass news agency earlier said the Russian dead included at least two children, citing the country's consul in Hurghada. The consulate had said all 45 tourists on board were Russian, but the Egyptian governor said they also included Indian, Norwegian and Swedish citizens.

In November, a tourist yacht sank in the Red Sea after warnings of rough waters, Egyptian officials said. At least four people drowned, while 33 were rescued.

RECOMMENDED STORIES

BP weighs sale of Egyptian gas assets amid restructuring plans

BP explores multi-billion dollar sale of Egyptian gas assets

Pakistan continues US-Iran mediation amid nuclear deadlock

S. Korean oil tanker completes Red Sea transit safely

At least six people are feared dead after a tourist submarine sank off in the Egyptian Red Sea.

Multiple ambulances have been deployed to the coastal city of Hurghada that is popular with British travellers, with at least another nine people injured, News.Az reports, citing foreign media.

News.Az