Tragedy off Hurghada’s Tourist Coastline
At the Red Sea resort city of Hurghada in Egypt’s Sinai desert, a tragic accident struck on 27 March. The tourist submarine Sindbad capsized, killing six Russian tourists. Local authorities reported rescuing 39 tourists of various nationalities and either taking them to hospitals or returning them to their hotels.
The Red Sea governorate confirmed that the victims were among 45 tourists and five Egyptian crew members on board when the submarine sank just one kilometre off the shore. Red Sea Governor Amr Hanafi said rescue teams quickly arrived at the scene, and no passengers were left unaccounted for.
Rescue Efforts and Immediate Response
At least nine tourists were taken to hospitals in Hurghada following the accident. The Russian consulate in the province of Ras Al-Wadda said the Sindbad had been carrying 45 tourists — mostly Russians — when it crashed around 10am local time.
Initial reports indicated four deaths, but officials later updated the death toll to six. Emergency crews stood at the pier next to the Sindbad Hotel, which owns and operates the submarine. Russian consular staff were also dispatched to assist survivors.
Cause of the Sinking Under Investigation
The exact cause of the accident remains unknown. Reports indicated that the weather conditions at the time were clear, allowing scuba divers to enjoy good underwater visibility. Egyptian authorities are currently investigating the incident for potential mechanical failures or operational lapses, according to an editorial in Akhbar el-Youm.
The Sindbad submarine was a popular tourist attraction in Hurghada. It offered visitors a chance to descend up to 25 meters (82 feet) to view colourful coral reefs and marine life up close. It was advertised as the region’s “only real recreational submarine”, offering a unique underwater experience in one of the Red Sea’s most popular tourist areas.
A String of Recent Maritime Accidents
This incident is the latest in a series of maritime tragedies off Egypt’s Red Sea coast. In November 2024, a dive boat overturned near Marsa Alam, killing four people.
In 2023, three British tourists drowned when a fire engulfed their yacht. Despite these tragedies, Egypt’s tourism industry continues to thrive. A United Nations report ranked Egypt as the top country in Africa for tourism revenue in 2024, earning $14.1 billion — more than double the revenue generated by the Suez Canal.
Hurghada: A Destination in Mourning
Hurghada, situated around 460 kilometres southeast of Cairo, is a major draw for international tourists, especially Russians. With its world-renowned coral reefs, clear waters, and bustling resorts, the city has long been a centerpiece of Egypt’s tourism economy.
As investigations continue, the tragic loss of six lives serves as a sobering reminder of the need for rigorous safety standards, even in paradise-like destinations.
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