On March 27, 2025, a tourist submarine operated by Sindbad Submarines sank while being boarded off the coast of Hurghada, Egypt, in the Red Sea, resulting in the deaths of six people and the rescue of 39 others. The incident raised concerns about safety standards in Egypt's tourist submarine industry.
The tourist submarine Sindbad (right) next to the floating boarding platform in 2023The submarine's ladder leading out through the hatch is shown in 2023
The submarine involved was owned by Sindbad Submarines, a tourism company which has operated in the Red Sea as a tourist attraction for over two decades.[1] The company owns two submarines capable of diving 25 meters (82ft) underwater.[2] Sindbad claimed that its submarines were built in Finland and met safety standards.[3][4]
The Red Sea coastline is a popular spot for tourists visiting Egypt. However, many vessels in the region operate daily with inconsistent adherence to safety rules. In early November 2024, 30 individuals were rescued from a boat that was sinking near Daedalus Reef. Later in the same month, the tourist boat Sea Story sank, leaving four people dead.[5] Similarly, in June 2024, 24 French tourists had to be evacuated before their vessel went under.
A Maritime Survey International report published in March 2024 revealed that none of the examined vessels had proper maintenance systems, safety protocols, or stability documentation. The report highlighted that the industry operates with little to no regulation.[6] The submarine had experienced technical issues prior to the accident.[7]
Sinking
The tourist submarine was carrying 45 tourists from Russia, India, Norway, and Sweden, including kids, along with five crew members on part of a tour organized by Biblio Globus.[3] It sank about 1 km (0.6 mi)[8] off the shore of Hurghada near the Hurghada harbour.[2][9] Ambulances were swiftly deployed to the scene to transport the injured people to nearby hospitals. Six people were killed and at least fourteen others were injured, including four critically.[7] The immediate cause of the sinking is disputed. A survivor reported that water poured into the submarine through two open hatches as passengers boarded, while other unconfirmed reports suggested the submarine hit a reef at 20 meters depth, leading to a loss of pressure.[10]
Aftermath
Following the sinking, The Egyptian Navy and the Egyptian Coast Guard launched a swift rescue operation, with emergency teams retrieving 39 survivors, 14 of whom were hospitalized.[11] Red Sea governor Amr Hanafy assured that an investigation was underway to determine the cause of the accident.[9] Meanwhile, Russian consular officials arrived in Hurghada to assist the families of the deceased and survivors, some of whom required medical treatment for injuries and shock.
Sindbad Submarines immediately suspended all excursions and canceled upcoming trips.[10] The company, which described itself as having "years of experience" in underwater tourism, faced scrutiny over its safety protocols. While Sindbad claimed its submarines were engineered in Finland and built to withstand depths of up to 75 meters, survivors and past passengers raised concerns about the lack of safety drills and emergency preparedness.[10]
Concerns have been raised about the impact of the sinking on Egyptian tourism in the area, following several high-profile incidents (including several shark attacks between 2022 and 2024 off the coast of Hurghada) and more than one incident of boats capsizing since 2021.[12]
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