At Least 4 Tourists Dead in Submarine Accident in Egypt, Officials Confirm
Hurghada, Egypt – March 27, 2025 – A tragic accident involving a tourist submarine off the coast of Egypt’s popular Red Sea resort city of Hurghada has left at least four people dead, with several others injured, according to official reports. The incident, which occurred early Thursday morning, has sent shockwaves through the tourism community in one of Egypt’s most frequented destinations, known for its vibrant coral reefs and underwater attractions.
The submarine, identified as the “Sindbad,” was carrying approximately 45 passengers, including tourists of various nationalities, when it sank close to the harbor, just 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) from the shore. Emergency response teams were swiftly deployed, rescuing 29 individuals from the vessel. However, the operation revealed a grim toll: at least four fatalities were confirmed by the Russian Embassy in Cairo, which stated that all passengers on board were Russian citizens. Local sources and media reports, including the BBC and Egypt’s Al-Masry Al-Youm newspaper, have suggested the death toll could be as high as six, with nine others injured, four of whom are in critical condition.
Details surrounding the cause of the sinking remain unclear. Authorities have yet to release an official statement on what led to the disaster, though the incident occurred around 10:00 AM local time during a routine excursion to explore the Red Sea’s famed coral reefs. The Sindbad, operated by Sindbad Submarines—a company that has offered underwater tours in Hurghada for years—is designed to provide passengers with panoramic views of marine life without fully submerging. The vessel features large viewing windows and can accommodate up to 44 passengers plus crew, descending to depths of around 25 meters (82 feet).
Eyewitnesses reported that the submarine capsized in front of the marina near a prominent hotel, though the specific establishment has not been named. The Red Sea Security Directorate and Egyptian Ambulance Authority were placed on high alert, dispatching 21 ambulances to the scene to transport the injured to nearby hospitals, including the Royal Hospital Hurghada. At least one body has been transferred to a morgue for further evaluation, according to local officials.
The Russian Embassy in Egypt released a statement indicating that the passengers were tourists traveling with Biblio Globus, a Russian tour operator, and its Egyptian counterpart, Biblio Globus Egypt Tours. “Most of those on board were rescued and taken to their hotels and hospitals in Hurghada. Their health condition is not a concern. Four people have been killed. The fate of several tourists is being determined,” the embassy noted, adding that diplomats were present at the pier to assist.
This tragedy marks the latest in a series of incidents involving tourist vessels in the Red Sea, raising renewed concerns about safety standards in Egypt’s tourism industry. Just months ago, in November 2024, the tourist boat Sea Story sank near Hurghada, leaving 11 people dead or missing, including a British couple. Egyptian authorities attributed that disaster to a massive wave, though survivors pointed to safety lapses. The UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) recently highlighted ongoing issues with Red Sea dive boats, noting 16 incidents involving “liveaboard” vessels over the past five years, several of which resulted in fatalities.
Hurghada, a bustling resort town along Egypt’s Red Sea coast, attracts millions of visitors annually, drawn by its beaches, scuba diving, and snorkeling opportunities. The Sindbad Submarines website markets its tours as a unique way to “experience the beauty of the Red Sea’s underwater world without getting wet.” However, Thursday’s accident has cast a shadow over the region’s reputation as a safe haven for adventure-seeking travelers.
As investigations into the cause of the sinking begin, questions are mounting about the maintenance and operational standards of recreational vessels like the Sindbad. Tourism is a vital pillar of Egypt’s economy, but recurring incidents have prompted some companies to limit or halt Red Sea excursions due to regional risks, including conflicts and unpredictable sea conditions.
For now, the focus remains on supporting the survivors and determining the full scope of the tragedy. The international community, particularly in Russia, awaits further updates as rescue efforts conclude and authorities piece together what went wrong beneath the waters of one of the world’s most celebrated seas.
This is a developing story, and additional details are expected as the investigation progresses.
