Submarine tragedy off Hurghada: Six dead and nine injured
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Mar 27
- 3 min read
A tragic accident off the coast of Hurghada, Egypt, claimed the lives of six tourists after a Sindbad Submarine sank in the Red Sea on March 27, 2025.
The vessel, which typically takes tourists 25 meters below the surface to observe marine life, was carrying 45 people, including children and crew members, from multiple nationalities. This is according to The US Sun and other media outlets.
Details of the incident
The submarine, owned by Sindbad Submarines, began its underwater excursion around 10:00 AM local time, one kilometer off the shore of Hurghada. Shortly after, the vessel experienced unknown complications that caused it to sink. Egyptian authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the disaster.
Casualties and survivors:
Six tourists dead: Four Russian tourists were confirmed among the deceased.
Four in critical condition: Nine passengers were injured, and four remain in critical condition.
29 rescued: Most passengers, including crew members, were safely evacuated and transported to hospitals and hotels in Hurghada.
Sindbad Submarine’s operations
Sindbad Submarines offers 40-minute tours that take tourists below the warm waters of the Red Sea, providing views of coral reefs and marine life. The tours are popular among international tourists, particularly from Britain, Germany, and Russia. The company operates one of the only 14 real recreational submarines in the world, making the tragedy a rare and shocking event.
Previous incidents and safety concerns
This is not the first time a submarine accident has occurred off Hurghada. In 2021, a German couple and their child drowned after another submarine reportedly collided with a coral reef. These incidents raise concerns about the safety of underwater tours in the region, prompting renewed calls for stricter regulations and enhanced safety protocols.
Russian embassy’s statement
The Russian embassy in Cairo confirmed that most of the passengers on board were Russian citizens. «On March 27, at about 10:00, the Sindbad bathyscaphe, owned by the hotel of the same name, crashed 1km off the shore. In addition to the crew, there were 45 tourists on board, including minors. Four of them tragically died,» a statement from the embassy said.
Economic impact on Hurghada’s tourism
Hurghada is a popular tourist destination known for its vibrant underwater experiences. Submarine tours, snorkeling, and scuba diving draw thousands of visitors annually. However, the latest tragedy could affect confidence in the safety of such activities and potentially lead to a decline in tourism.
Investigation and next steps
Egyptian authorities have pledged to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. Safety measures and operational procedures of all underwater tourism companies in the region are likely to be reviewed and updated to prevent future tragedies.
As the investigation unfolds, the global tourism community watches closely, hoping that lessons learned from this incident will lead to improved safety standards in underwater tourism worldwide.
Facts about Hurghada, Egypt
Hurghada, located on the Red Sea coast, is one of Egypt’s most popular tourist destinations, known for its clear waters, coral reefs, and year-round sunshine. It was originally a small fishing village but transformed into a major resort town in the 1980s. Hurghada attracts millions of visitors annually, offering activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and submarine tours. The region is also famous for its proximity to the Giftun Islands and its thriving marine biodiversity, making it a hub for underwater tourism.
