A tragic incident in the Red Sea saw a tourist submarine sink, resulting in the deaths of six Russian passengers, with an investigation now underway into the cause of the accident and the safety measures in place.
Tourist Submarine Tragedy in the Red Sea Claims Six Lives
Tourist Submarine Tragedy in the Red Sea Claims Six Lives
The sinking of a sightseeing submarine near Hurghada has raised urgent concerns about maritime safety standards in Egypt.
Egyptian authorities have commenced investigations into the recent sinking of a tourist submarine in the Red Sea, which led to the deaths of six out of 45 individuals onboard. The Sindbad submarine, which was engaged in a sightseeing excursion off the popular resort town of Hurghada, encountered severe distress around 10:00 local time. While 39 passengers and five crew members were successfully rescued after the submarine sank, six Russian tourists tragically lost their lives, including two children.
Reports indicate that the submarine was at a depth of 20 meters when it struck a reef, leading to a loss of pressure. The injured, four of whom are in critical condition, have been taken to local hospitals. The passengers hailed from various countries, including Russia, India, Norway, and Sweden, with all victims being identified as Russian citizens.
According to Red Sea governor Amr Hanafy, the submarine had been operating legally, and the crew had the requisite certifications. Eyewitness accounts describe the vessel as well-maintained prior to the incident, raising questions about the exact circumstances that led to the accident. The Chinese tourists reported a safety briefing prior to the dive, but life jackets were not provided.
The occurrence is the second maritime disaster in the Red Sea region within the past six months, which included the sinking of the Sea Story boat. This has sparked grave concerns regarding the safety protocols and the fitness of vessels operating in popular tourist areas in Egypt, especially for excursions involving submerged exploration of the ocean’s depths. Ongoing investigations aim to clarify the cause behind this tragic loss of life while emphasizing the need for stringent safety measures in the region's tourism industry.
