Tourist Submarine Sinks In Red Sea, Leaving At Least 6 Dead

News outlets in Egypt are reporting a heartbreaking incident in which six people lost their lives after a tourist submarine sank in the Red Sea. In addition to the fatalities, nine others sustained injuries during the tragic event.

The local newspaper Al-Masry Al-Youm shared that the submarine involved in the incident was called 'Sindbad'. It was located in the popular tourist area of Hurghada in the Red Sea, preparing for a dive to give visitors a close-up look at the area's stunning coral reefs.

Reports say around 44 tourists from various countries had boarded the submarine while it was docked just off the marina near one of Hurghada’s well-known hotels. The accident took place today (March 27).

Emergency services quickly sprang into action after the submarine began to sink. Both the Red Sea Health Directorate and the Egyptian Ambulance Authority were reportedly put on the highest level of alert. A total of 21 ambulances were sent to the site, alongside rescue and security teams.

So far, authorities have managed to rescue 29 people from the vessel, according to Al-Masry Al-Youm. Out of the nine injured passengers, four are said to be in very serious condition and are receiving urgent medical care.

The Sindbad submarine has been offering underwater sightseeing tours for tourists in the Hurghada area for several years, making this incident even more shocking.

The submarines take guests 25 metres below the surface Sindbad Submarines

According to the company’s website, Sindbad Submarines operates two of what it claims are only '14 real recreational submarines' in the entire world.

The attraction lets travelers dive down to a depth of 25 metres, or about 82 feet, to explore a stretch of 500 metres of coral reefs and marine life that live within it.

"Go below sea level for 40 minutes enjoying the corals and fish with divers show to take photos for unforgettable memory, then you will be transferred back by the same boat to the marine," Sindbad Submarines says.

The submarine can carry 44 passengers Sindbad Submarines

Further describing the features of the submarine, the Sindbad Submarines website highlights: "It offers 44 passenger seats. Two pilots' seats and a sizable round viewing window for each passenger. Experience the beauty of the Red Sea's underwater world without getting wet. It's perfect for all ages and the memories will last a lifetime."

"We provide point-to-point transfer from your hotel to our terminal, including land-sea transportation, and all with an excellent level of service."

The site also notes that the submarine is equipped with emergency gear, including oxygen masks and life jackets, to help protect passengers in case something goes wrong during the trip.

Typically, the trip starts with a check-in around 11:00am local time. After that, visitors are taken by boat to reach the submarine itself, which they board at approximately 12:35pm to begin their underwater journey.

However, reports of the vessel sinking began circulating just before noon, suggesting the incident may have occurred before passengers had even begun the dive.