Egypt Submarine Tragedy. A view of the Red Sea near the area where the tourist submarine Sindbad sank off the coast of Hurghada, Egypt. Six people were killed in the incident. Mark Malak/dpa/AP Images
A submarine excursion in the Red Sea ended in tragedy Thursday when a vessel carrying 45 Russian tourists, including children, sank off the coast of Egypt.
The incident, which occurred near a beach in the tourist promenade area, left multiple people dead and others seriously injured. The vessel bore markings identifying it as part of Sindbad Submarines, a tourism company that has operated in the region for over two decades.
The Context
According to a statement released by the Red Sea Governorate, emergency teams rescued 39 passengers following the sinking.
The provincial governor confirmed to the Associated Press that six people have been confirmed dead. The remaining tourists that were on the vessel—more than two dozen of whom were injured—were rescued.
In a statement on Facebook, the Russian Embassy in Egypt said that all passengers were Russian nationals. "According to initial data, most of the passengers on board were rescued and taken to their hotels and hospitals in Hurghada," the embassy said. They added that their "health is not a cause for concern."
After the incident, the embassy confirmed that its diplomats were present at the Sindbad Hotel's pier.
What Is Sindbad Submarines?
Sindbad Submarines is a tourism company based in Hurghada, Egypt, specializing in underwater excursions along the Red Sea. The company claims over 25 years of experience. According to its official website, the submarine dives reach depths of 25 meters (82 feet), and tours can last up to three hours, offering tourists a lengthy view of marine life and coral reefs.
The company brands its operations as an immersive experience supported by a team passionate about marine exploration. Its website highlights various recreational offerings, including dining and beach activities.
The website also references a "high standard" of quality: vessels are engineered in Finland to sustain underwater pressure up to 75 meters. It also mentions that the subs are equipped with oxygen masks and life vests.
What Happened to the Tourist Submarine in Egypt?
The cause of the sinking remains under investigation.
Local media indicates that the submarine was navigating near the shore when it sank. The Russian consulate said the sinking happened about 0.6 miles offshore. The vessel was marked "Sindbad," which is consistent with the company's branding.
Sindbad Submarines has not yet issued a public statement.
Newsweek reached out to Sindbad Submarines and the Red Sea Governorate via email for comment on Thursday morning.
What Happens Next
Egyptian authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident.
The region has seen similar tragedies in recent years. In November 2024, a tourist boat capsized off Egypt's coast, killing four people. And in June 2023, a fire aboard a ship in the Red Sea killed three tourists.
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This story was originally published March 27, 2025 at 5:43 PM.