Hurghada, Egypt – Six Russian tourists, including two children, have died after a tourist submarine sank off the coast of Hurghada in Egypt’s Red Sea on Friday morning.

Authorities confirmed that 39 people were rescued from the vessel, named Sindbad, while nine others sustained injuries—four of them in critical condition.

The submarine, operated by Sindbad Submarines, had been in service for years, offering underwater excursions to explore coral reefs near the Egyptian coastline.

The Red Sea governor, Amr Hanafy, stated that the 45 passengers aboard the vessel were from Russia, India, Norway, and Sweden.

In addition, five Egyptian crew members were on board. The identities of the deceased have not been fully disclosed, but officials confirmed that two of the victims were married doctors, whose daughters remain in the hospital.

Investigation Underway

Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the incident, though early reports suggest that the submarine may have struck a reef and subsequently lost pressure at a depth of approximately 20 meters (65 feet).

The Association of Tour Operators of Russia, citing a Telegram post, claimed that the impact with the reef could have led to the vessel’s failure.

This tragic accident marks the second maritime disaster in the Red Sea in recent months. In November 2024, a tourist boat capsized near Marsa Alam, leaving 11 people missing and presumed dead.

Eyewitness Account

Dr. James Aldridge, a British tourist from Bristol who took the same trip in February 2025, described his experience aboard the Sindbad. Speaking to the BBC, he noted that the submarine appeared well-maintained, with modern equipment and fresh paint.

“The sub was as shown in the promotional photos, with attentive and professional English-speaking staff, including two divers who accompanied us down,” Aldridge said.

Passengers were given a safety briefing in multiple languages, but Aldridge pointed out that life jackets were not issued for the journey.

“We toured the reef for 40 minutes. For the first 20 minutes, I was facing the reef, and the sub never strayed ‘too close.’ I never felt unsafe. For the return trip, I was facing the ocean,” he added.

A Popular Tourist Destination

Hurghada, located southeast of Cairo, is a popular destination for tourists worldwide, known for its stunning coral reefs and clear waters.

Sindbad Submarines’ website advertises trips that take passengers up to 25 meters (82 feet) below the surface, offering panoramic views of the marine ecosystem.

Egyptian authorities, alongside Russian officials, are expected to conduct a full investigation to determine whether safety regulations were followed and whether mechanical failure or human error contributed to the disaster.

The tragedy has raised concerns over the safety of underwater tourism in the Red Sea, an area renowned for its diving and snorkeling attractions.

As the investigation unfolds, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers of maritime excursions, even in seemingly controlled environments.