At least six people have died after a tourist submarine sank near the popular Egyptian Red Sea resort town of Hurghada, local authorities have confirmed.
The Red Sea governor reported that six Russian tourists lost their lives, while 39 others were rescued after the submarine went down near a beach in the tourist promenade area on Thursday. Officials say there are no missing persons following the rescue operation.
The submarine, named Sindbad, was carrying 45 tourists from Russia, Norway, Sweden, and India, along with five Egyptian crew members, when it sank about a kilometer from shore around 10 a.m. local time, according to Red Sea Governor Amr Hanafi. Rescue teams were dispatched immediately.
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Russia’s consulate in Hurghada confirmed the incident, stating that most passengers were safely brought back to their hotels or taken to hospitals.
The exact cause of the sinking remains unknown. Weather conditions at the time were reportedly clear, with good underwater visibility. Egyptian authorities have launched an investigation.
The Sindbad was a sightseeing submarine designed for tourists to explore the Red Sea’s vibrant coral reefs and marine life. According to its operator, it could dive to a depth of 25 meters (82 feet) and was equipped with large windows for viewing.
Hurghada, located about 460 kilometers (280 miles) southeast of Cairo, is a popular destination for international tourists, particularly Russians.
