At least six people have died and nine others were injured after a tourist semi-submarine sank off the coast of Hurghada, Egypt, a city popular among British tourists along the Red Sea. Multiple ambulances rushed to the scene.
According to Egyptian media outlet Al-Masry Al-Youm, the vessel, named ‘Sinbad,’ was carrying 44 tourists from various countries when it sank. Among the injured, four are in critical condition and are fighting for their lives. Rescue teams managed to save at least 29 people, but it remains unclear if anyone is still missing.
The tourists had purchased tickets to explore the Red Sea’s coral reefs. However, the submarine sank near a well-known hotel in Hurghada. This semi-submarine is designed not to dive fully underwater but to allow passengers to observe marine life from the lower deck.
This is not the first deadly incident involving tourist submarines in Hurghada. In November, another tourist submarine, ‘Sea Story,’ sank, resulting in 11 people dead or missing, including a British couple. Over the past five years, there have been 16 reported incidents involving liveaboard dive vessels in the Red Sea, with several resulting in fatalities, including British nationals. In the last 21 months alone, three such boats have sunk.
Local authorities are investigating the cause of the incident while search and rescue teams continue to look for possible missing persons. This tragedy has once again raised concerns about the safety of tourist submarine services in Hurghada. Experts are calling for stricter regulations and monitoring to prevent future accidents.
Egyptian officials have contacted the families of the deceased and assured that the injured are receiving the best possible treatment. Embassies are also providing assistance to affected foreign nationals.