A tragic incident occurred on Thursday when a submarine carrying Russian tourists sank off the coast of Hurghada, a popular Egyptian Red Sea resort. Six people were confirmed dead, according to local authorities.
The Russian consulate in Hurghada reported that the submarine, named “Sindbad,” had 45 Russian tourists aboard, along with crew members. Initially, the consulate stated that four fatalities had been confirmed, though it did not clarify their nationality.
“Most passengers have been rescued and are currently receiving care at local hotels and hospitals in Hurghada,” the consulate added, noting that the situation of several others is still being clarified. Local media sources indicated that 29 out of the 45 passengers had been saved by rescue teams.
The Red Sea, famous for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, remains a critical destination for Egypt’s tourism sector, where Russian visitors have become an increasingly significant demographic.
The country’s tourism industry is essential to Egypt’s economy, which has faced significant challenges. In November, a separate incident saw a tourist diving boat sink after being struck by high waves, resulting in four drownings and 33 rescues. Another boat sank last June due to storm damage, though no casualties were reported.
A recent United Nations report highlighted Egypt’s tourism revenue reached $14.1 billion in 2024, making it the top earner in Africa for tourism and more than doubling the country’s revenue from the Suez Canal, underscoring the sector’s importance to Egypt’s strained economy.
