Six Russian tourists have died and nine others were injured when a tourist submarine sank off the coast of Egypt. The incident occurred off a beach in the Red Sea resort of Hurghada, with 29 people being rescued. The submarine belonged to the Sindbad hotel in Hurghada and was on a tour to view coral reefs when it went under about half a mile from shore. There were minors on board, but it is unknown how many crew members were present.
The sub had 44 passenger seats, two pilot seats, and a round viewing window for each passenger. All the victims were Russian, and the cause of the sinking is still unknown at this time. The rescued individuals have been taken to hospitals and are in stable condition. This tragic incident adds to the dangers faced by tourists in the region, as just a few months prior, a tourist yacht sank in the Red Sea resulting in four deaths and several missing individuals.
The Russian consulate in Hurghada has been providing updates on the situation, as well as assisting the victims and their families. The incident has raised concerns about safety measures in place for tourist activities in the region, particularly in popular destinations like the Red Sea resort of Hurghada. It is essential for authorities to investigate the cause of the sinking and take appropriate action to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Tourism is a significant part of Egypt’s economy, but recent incidents like the sinking of the tourist submarine and yacht have sparked concerns about the safety of tourists in the region. Many tourist companies have limited or stopped travel on the Red Sea due to conflicts and dangers in the area. It is crucial for authorities and tour operators to prioritize the safety and well-being of tourists to maintain the reputation of Egypt as a popular and safe tourist destination.
The submarine was operated by Sindbad Submarines, a Hurghada-based company that offers tours to view the coral reefs in the Red Sea. The company’s website lists the features of the vessel, including passenger seats and viewing windows for each individual. The incident has prompted questions about the safety protocols in place for tourist submarines and other water-based activities in the region.
The tragic sinking of the tourist submarine has highlighted the risks faced by tourists in popular destinations like Hurghada, where water activities are a major attraction. The Russian victims and their families are receiving support from the consulate in Hurghada, and investigations are underway to determine the cause of the incident. Authorities must ensure that safety measures are in place for all tourist activities to prevent such tragedies in the future and protect the reputation of Egypt as a tourist-friendly destination.
