Tourist Submarine Carrying 45 Passengers Sinks In The Red Sea, 6 Dead

A sightseeing submarine carrying 45 tourists sank in the Red Sea off the coast of Hurghada, Egypt on March 27, 2025, killing six Russian passengers.

Authorities confirmed that 39 people, including tourists from Russia, India, Norway, and Sweden, were rescued, with 29 of them sustaining injuries.

The incident occurred around 10:00 local time (08:00 GMT), approximately one kilometer from the shore.

The submarine, named Sindbad, was conducting an underwater tour when the accident happened. The vessel designed for tourism, featured large panoramic windows for passengers to witness marine life and coral reefs and typically operated at a depth of 20-25 meters.

Per initial reports, passengers were taken to the submarine on a separate boat, as it remained docked at a floating platform before diving.

A survivor told Russian media that as tourists took their seats, water started rushing in because two hatches were open. Some reports also indicate that the submarine may have struck a reef at a depth of 20 meters, leading to a sudden loss of pressure.

However, the exact cause of the sinking is still unknown.

Video Credits: AzPost/YouTube

Rescue teams were immediately dispatched after the incident. According to Red Sea Governor Major General Amr Hanafy, all passengers and crew members were accounted for.

Among those rescued, 29 people suffered injuries and were taken to hospitals. Russian state media reported that at least two of the dead were children.

Initially, the Russian consulate claimed that all 45 tourists on board were Russian, but Egyptian authorities clarified that passengers also included individuals from Norway, Sweden and India.

Footage released by the governor’s office showed some survivors in a hospital, including an Indian man asking about his critically injured daughter.

Other survivors, including a Russian family with young children, assured officials they were safe. Two Egyptian crew members were also seen receiving medical attention.

Egyptian authorities have launched an investigation into the sinking. Governor Hanafy stated that the Sindbad submarine and its captain were fully licensed. The company operating the vessel has suspended all upcoming trips but has not responded to media inquiries.

The Egyptian Tourism Ministry and the Chamber of Diving have yet to issue an official response.

The Red Sea is a major hub for Egypt’s tourism sector, attracting millions of visitors for diving, snorkeling and underwater excursions. A recent United Nations report ranked Egypt as Africa’s top tourism revenue earner in 2024, generating $14.1 billion, more than double the revenue from the Suez Canal.

Investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the sinking.

References: Reuters, BBC

Source: Maritime Shipping News