Red Sea Submarine Crash: Six Dead, Dozens Rescued Off Egypt’s Coast
A tragic Red Sea submarine crash near Hurghada, Egypt, claimed the lives of six Russian tourists on Thursday morning. The recreational submarine, designed for underwater reef exploration, crashed less than a mile from the Hurghada coastline at approximately 10 AM local time. Extensive rescue operations led to the evacuation of 39 survivors, while authorities continue to investigate the cause of the disaster.
Russian Tourists Among Victims in Red Sea Submarine Crash
According to the Russian Embassy in Egypt, most of the passengers onboard were Russian nationals, vacationing with the international tour operator Biblio Globus. Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the total fatalities, with Russian media suggesting nine deaths, while Egyptian officials have confirmed six casualties so far.
Authorities reported that 21 passengers, including seven children, were rushed to the emergency department at Royal Hospital Hurghada for medical treatment following the incident.
Tourism Submarine Designed for Safety, Yet Disaster Strikes
The ill-fated voyage was intended to last 40 minutes, offering tourists a glimpse of the Red Sea’s vibrant marine life. Unlike the Titan submersible disaster, this submarine featured large viewing windows and was engineered to withstand underwater pressure up to 75 meters.
The tour was operated by Sindbad Submarines, a well-known marine tourism company based in Hurghada. The company stated that its fleet consists of two Finnish-engineered submarines, built with advanced safety features to handle deep-sea pressure. Despite the risks, submarine tourism remains a major attraction in Egypt, as the Red Sea region continues to be a hub for international tourists.
Unconfirmed Reports Suggest Collision With Coral Reef
Investigators are working to determine the exact cause of the Red Sea submarine crash. Unverified reports suggest that the vessel may have collided with a reef, causing a depressurization at a depth of 65 feet.
According to the Daily Mail, 21 ambulances were dispatched to the crash site to assist in the rescue operations and transport the injured. Egyptian authorities have launched a full investigation into the incident, while the Russian government is closely monitoring the situation.
As submarine tourism in the Red Sea grows, concerns over safety regulations and operational risks continue to be raised, especially in the wake of previous underwater tourism disasters.