Officials have confirmed that minors were among the passengers on the tourist submarine that sank and killed six people.
The tragedy unfolded on Thursday morning (March 27) in Hurghada, a popular tourist hotspot on the Red Sea, when the submarine – named Sindbad – went down during a routine underwater excursion.
Emergency services rushed to the harbor following reports of the incident, which happened around 10AM and involved roughly 45 people on board, most of whom are believed to be Russian nationals, The Independent reported.
According to Egypt’s Red Sea Governorate, all six of the deceased were Russian. A Russian official confirmed that two of them were minors.
“On March 27, at about 10am, 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,” the Russian embassy wrote on Facebook.
“The bathyscaphe was carrying out a regular underwater excursion with inspection of the coral reef. In addition to the crew members, there were 45 tourists on board, including minors. All of them are Russian citizens, tourists of the company Biblio Globus.
“According to initial data, most of those on board were rescued and taken to their hotels and hospitals in Hurghada. Their health condition does not cause concern. Four people died. The fate of several tourists is being clarified,” they said. “Diplomats of the Consulate General are on the pier of the Sindbad Hotel.”
Later reports confirmed that no one remained missing, with 39 tourists successfully rescued from the wreckage.
Authorities are now investigating the cause of the accident.
Hurghada is one of the largest resort destinations on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, attracting huge numbers of visitors each year.
The Sindbad has been offering submarine tours in the Red Sea for years and is marketed as one of just 14 real recreational submarines operating in the world.
“[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,” the company wrote on its website.
Describing its features, the site explains: “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,” they added.
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy.
