During an underwater adventure in the Red Sea of Egypt on Thursday, six Russian tourists perished in the Hurghada submarine accident. Around 10 am, the tragedy happened close to Hurghada, a well-known tourist city located 480 kilometers southeast of Cairo.
Forty-five people from Russia, India, Norway, and Sweden were on board the Sindbad Submarines ship when it sank a kilometer off the coast. Four tourists are still in serious condition at the local hospital, while other visitors were safely rescued, according to Maj—-Gen—Amr Hanafy, who verified the deaths.
The Russian consulate in Hurghada revealed that the submarine crashed during its routine coral reef tour, which is regularly conducted for sightseeing. Passengers rescued from the incident were transported to nearby hotels and hospitals.
Investigators are questioning the submarine’s crew to determine the cause of the accident. The Sindbad Submarines company claims its vessels are designed to handle underwater pressure up to 75 meters.
The operator’s website emphasizes passenger safety, boasting an expert team and rigorous safety protocols. However, Thursday’s incident raises concerns about the company’s safety practices. According to Hanafy, the submarine was fully licensed to operate, and the crew leader possessed all required certifications.
Weather conditions during the accident were ideal, with clear skies, light winds, and a temperature of 30 degrees Celsius. Sindbad Submarines operates two recreational submarines capable of carrying 44 passengers.
The company advertises spacious, air-conditioned cabins with personal TV monitors and large viewing windows. The vessels are known for offering close views of the region’s coral reefs and marine life at a depth of 25 meters.
Egypt’s tourism economy, a vital revenue source, faces scrutiny following the accident. Authorities aim to determine the exact cause of the sinking and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
