At least six people have died and nine others were injured—four critically—after a tourist submarine sank off the coast of Hurghada, a popular Egyptian resort town on the Red Sea.
The vessel, named Sinbad, was reportedly carrying 44 passengers of mixed nationalities, including families with children, on an underwater sightseeing tour of the region’s renowned coral reefs when the tragedy struck.
Local authorities said 29 people were rescued, while emergency services rushed to the scene. The Red Sea Health Directorate and Egyptian Ambulance Authority dispatched 21 ambulances to the shore to assist in ferrying the injured to local hospitals.
Cause of Incident Still Unknown
The Red Sea Security Directorate confirmed it received a distress report regarding the sinking of the tourist submarine near the marina of a major hotel in Hurghada. While the exact cause of the incident remains unclear, authorities have launched a full investigation.
The Sinbad had been operating tourist trips for several years and was marketed as an immersive underwater experience. Its operator, Sindbad Experiences, describes the journey as a chance to explore the beauty of the Red Sea’s marine life “without getting wet.”
Promotional materials boast that the vessel is one of “only 14 real recreational submarines in the world,” offering each passenger a personal viewing window and a submerged journey piloted by experts.
High Alert and Local Reaction
In the aftermath of the sinking, local officials declared a state of emergency across health services in the Red Sea region. The Red Sea Health Directorate confirmed it had placed hospitals on standby to deal with the influx of casualties.
Witnesses reported a chaotic scene as paramedics, rescue divers, and air ambulances converged near the Hurghada Marina. Local media outlet Al-Masry Al-Youm reported that emergency crews had been working intensively since mid-morning.
Global Concern and Ongoing Investigation
The incident has sparked concern among global travellers and the international tourism industry, particularly given Hurghada’s reputation as a safe and family-friendly diving destination.
As of now, no official statement has been released detailing the nationalities of the victims. Authorities are working with consulates and embassies to notify the families of the deceased.
More updates are expected as Egyptian maritime and forensic teams continue their investigation into how the Sinbad—a submarine long regarded as a symbol of Red Sea tourism—met such a devastating fate.
