Egypt submarine sinking: Crew questioned after six tourists killed

Egyptian authorities are interrogating the crew of a tourist submarine that sank in the Red Sea. The accident resulted in the deaths of 6 out of the 45 passengers on board. The investigation aims to determine the cause of the sinking and whether safety protocols were followed.

According to official sources, the other 39 passengers and 5 crew members were rescued on Thursday. The submarine, named "Sinbad," experienced the accident around 10:00 a.m. local time (08:00 GMT). Nine other people were injured, four of whom are in serious condition and are receiving medical treatment.

At the time of the incident, the group was on a sightseeing tour, exploring coral reefs near the Red Sea resort of Hurghada. Russian media reported that two children were among the victims, both of whom were Russian tourists. The cause of the accident is currently unknown, but investigations are underway to determine the sequence of events.

The Governor of the Red Sea Governorate, Amr Hanafi, stated that the 45 passengers on the "Sinbad" were from Russia, India, Norway, and Sweden. There were also five Egyptian crew members on board. Hanafi said that all six victims were Russian, but detailed information about the deceased has not yet been released. According to authorities, two of the victims were a married couple who were both doctors, and their daughter is receiving treatment in the hospital.

Hanafi stated that the submarine involved had a valid license, and the captain had obtained the correct "scientific certificate." Currently, the investigation into the accident is still ongoing. The Association of Russian Tour Operators stated in a Telegram post that the submarine struck a coral reef and subsequently lost pressure at a depth of 20 meters (65 feet) underwater, potentially contributing to the tragedy.

Russian tourists play an increasingly important role in Egypt's tourism industry, which is a significant pillar of the country's economy. The city of Hurghada, located southeast of Cairo, is a tourist destination known for its beaches and coral reefs. The "Sinbad" submarine's website indicated that the submarine was equipped with large portholes that allowed passengers to view the spectacular coral and marine life of the Red Sea and was capable of diving to a depth of 25 meters (82 feet).

Dr. James Aldred, from Bristol, traveled on the same submarine in February 2025. He told the BBC: "The submarine was well-maintained and as per the publicity photos. The paintwork was fresh, the equipment modern and the staff (including two divers who accompany you down) attentive and English-speaking." He explained that passengers listened to a safety briefing recorded in multiple languages, but life jackets were not issued. "We toured around the reef for 40 minutes. For the first 20 minutes I faced the reef and the sub never got ‘too close’ and I never felt unsafe. On the return leg I faced the sea," he added.

This is the second incident to occur in the Red Sea in approximately six months. Last November, a vessel named "Ocean Dream" also sank near the Egyptian resort of Marsa Alam, carrying more than 40 people, of whom 11 were missing or presumed dead. These repeated incidents raise concerns about the safety of maritime tourism in the region.

The cause of this latest tragedy remains unclear. However, the frequency of such incidents raises questions about the safety measures taken by local authorities in popular tourist maritime excursion areas, and whether adequate safety checks are being conducted. A thorough review of safety protocols is needed to prevent future accidents and ensure tourist safety.