Tragic Incident: Tourist Submarine Sinks Off Hurghada
The ill-fated tourist submarine that sank off the coast of Hurghada, Egypt, has left at least six tourists dead and several more trapped, raising serious concerns about its operational safety. This tragic event occurred on Thursday when the vessel, operated by the Sindbad tour company, went down, resulting in a chaotic scene as emergency services rushed to the scene.
Reports indicate that the submarine, which takes tourists approximately 25 meters below the surface of the Red Sea, had a history of scraping along the seabed during its trips. A British tourist, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed concerns about the vessel’s safety, stating, “It seemed like the submarine hit the sea floor repeatedly, which is certainly not good for marine life or the structural integrity of the sub itself.”
In the days leading up to the accident, several reviews on Tripadvisor highlighted alarming experiences aboard the Sindbad submarine. A user from Bridgend, known as stubbyd, commented, “While they boast about the captain’s qualifications, I felt uneasy with how often the sub bumped into the sea floor. It compromised my enjoyment and raised questions about safety.” Another tourist, identified as Alexander S, warned potential customers, “I don’t recommend it. The submarine collided with rocks and corals multiple times, stirring up sand and making visibility poor.”
- Kevin K: “I had the feeling several times that we were on the ground.”
- Anonymous: “It was the worst experience ever due to the submarine being dirty.”
- Recent tourists: “The vessel was in terrible condition; the glass was scratched and visibility was only 50/50.”
Further complaints emerged about the outdated safety equipment, with tourists noting that the life jackets were old and damaged. The submarine had 45 people aboard during the incident, primarily Russian tourists who were enjoying their vacation at the nearby Sindbad hotel, which also owns the submarine.
The cause of the Sindbad submarine’s sinking remains under investigation by Egyptian authorities. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the vessel go down approximately one kilometer off the coast, while the Russian embassy in Cairo confirmed the tragic loss of life among its citizens. “On March 27, at approximately 10:00 AM, the Sindbad submarine sank. There were 45 tourists on board, including minors, all of whom were Russian nationals,” the embassy stated.
Despite the tragic outcome, reports indicate that many passengers were successfully rescued and transported to local hospitals and hotels for assessment. Fortunately, their health conditions are reportedly stable, but the fate of several tourists remains uncertain. The submarine excursion, which typically lasts about three hours and includes a boat ride and a 40-minute underwater experience, has been a popular attraction for tourists seeking to witness the vibrant coral reefs and marine life of the Red Sea.
As the investigation continues, the Sindbad Submarines company has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident. Hurghada, a renowned tourist destination, is frequented by visitors from around the world, particularly from the UK and Germany, and offers a variety of nautical excursions to explore the stunning underwater world.
The loss of life in this tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety in adventure tourism. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.
