- On March 27, 2025, a tourist submarine named Sindbad, operated by Sindbad Submarines, sank off Hurghada, Egypt, resulting in at least six deaths and nine injuries, with 29 people rescued.
- Research suggests the submarine carried 45 Russian tourists, and the incident occurred during a coral reef tour, though the exact causes remain under investigation.
- The evidence leans toward recurring safety issues in the Red Sea tourist boat industry, with previous incidents highlighting regulatory gaps.
Incident Overview
On March 27, 2025, a tragic event unfolded when the Sindbad submarine, one of only 14 real recreational submarines globally, sank near Hurghada, a popular Egyptian Red Sea resort.
Local media and the Russian embassy reported at least six people died, nine were injured (four critically), and 29 were rescued from the 45 passengers on board, all believed to be Russian tourists.
Safety Concerns
This incident is part of a pattern, with past events like a November 2024 boat sinking near Daedalus reef and a 2023 fire on another vessel raising alarms.
A March 2024 report by Maritime Survey International found many dive boats lack proper safety systems, suggesting the industry may be largely unregulated, putting tourists at risk.
Unexpected Detail
Despite Sindbad Submarines claiming their vessels are engineered in Finland to withstand 75 meters depth with oxygen masks and life vests, the sinking raises questions about whether these measures were sufficient or properly implemented, adding complexity to safety perceptions.
Incident Details and Casualties
The submarine, part of Sindbad Submarines’ fleet, was carrying approximately 45 passengers, all reported to be Russian tourists by the Russian embassy in Cairo (The Independent).
The vessel sank about 1 kilometer off the shore, near the Marriot hotel resort in Hurghada, a city renowned for its beaches and underwater attractions.
Emergency response teams acted swiftly, rescuing 29 people from the water, as confirmed by the Red Sea governorate (The Hindu).
Tragically, at least six people were confirmed dead, and nine others were injured, with four in critical condition, according to municipal officials cited by Reuters and Associated Press (The Guardian).
Stringer, REUTERS
There is some controversy regarding the exact number of casualties, with the Russian embassy initially reporting four deaths (CNN), while local media and other sources reported six.
This discrepancy may stem from differing counts of Russian tourists versus crew members, with all passengers believed to be Russian, potentially including both tourists and crew of various nationalities.
The fate of several tourists was still being clarified, adding to the complexity of the situation.
Response and Investigation
Following the sinking, a major rescue operation was launched, involving the Red Sea Health Directorate, the Egyptian Ambulance Authority, and security forces.
Reports indicate that 21 ambulances were dispatched to the scene, along with rescue boats and other tourist vessels that raced to assist (USA Today).
The injured were taken to hospitals in Hurghada, and their health conditions were monitored, with no immediate concerns reported for most rescued individuals, according to the Russian consulate (The Guardian).
The Egyptian authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the sinking, which remains unclear.
Initial reports suggest the submarine was preparing to set off for a tour to view coral reefs when it sank, but the exact circumstances, such as mechanical failure, human error, or environmental factors, are yet to be established.
This investigation is crucial, given the implications for tourist safety and the broader regulatory framework in the region.
Background on Sindbad Submarines
Sindbad Submarines, the operator involved, is known for offering unique underwater tours, claiming to hold two of the only 14 real recreational submarines in the world (Sindbad Submarines).
Their website details that the submarines can carry 44 passengers, with two pilots, and are designed to descend 25 meters below the surface to explore 500 meters of coral reef and marine life.
The company emphasizes safety, stating that their vessels are engineered in Finland to sustain underwater pressure up to 75 meters and are equipped with oxygen masks and life vests for emergencies (Sindbad Submarines).
They also provide point-to-point transfers from hotels to the terminal, marketing their service as perfect for all ages and creating lasting memories.
However, the recent incident has cast doubt on these claims. Despite these assurances, the sinking of one of their submarines raises questions about whether the safety measures were adequately implemented or if there were unforeseen failures.
Sindbad Submarines has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident, leaving many questions unanswered for tourists and their families.
Context of Safety Concerns in the Red Sea
This incident is not isolated but part of a troubling pattern of maritime accidents involving tourist boats in the Red Sea. Historical data reveals several similar events, highlighting potential systemic issues.
For instance, in November 2024, the tourist boat Sea Story sank, resulting in 16 people missing, including 12 foreigners and four Egyptians, with 28 rescued (Wikipedia).
Earlier, in June 2024, 24 French tourists were evacuated before their boat sank, and in 2023, a fire on a vessel led to the deaths of three British tourists (The Guardian).
A March 2024 report by Maritime Survey International, examining Red Sea dive boats, found that none of the inspected vessels had a planned maintenance system, safety management system, or stability books, concluding that the industry “plies its trade largely unregulated” (Wikipedia).
This lack of regulation is particularly concerning given the high volume of tourist traffic, with dozens of dive boats operating daily in the area.
The weather on the day of the incident was reported as calm, with light winds and no rough waters, suggesting that environmental factors may not have been the primary cause (BBC News).
Implications and Recommendations
The sinking of the Sindbad submarine underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures and regulatory oversight in the Red Sea’s tourist boat industry.
Tourists planning similar activities should be cautious and ensure that operators have proper certifications and adhere to high safety standards.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved, particularly for underwater tours, and highlights the importance of enforcing existing regulations or creating new ones where necessary.
For the families of the victims, support from both Egyptian and Russian authorities is expected, as they navigate the aftermath of this tragedy.
The broader tourism industry in Egypt, heavily reliant on Red Sea attractions, may face scrutiny and potential changes to ensure such incidents do not recur.
As the investigation continues, the focus must be on preventing future loss of life by addressing the identified safety gaps.
Table: Summary of Key Incident Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date and Time | March 27, 2025, around 10:00 AM local time |
| Location | Off Hurghada, Egypt, Red Sea, near Marriot hotel resort |
| Operator | Sindbad Submarines |
| Passengers | Approximately 45, all believed to be Russian tourists |
| Casualties | 6 dead, 9 injured (4 critical), 29 rescued |
| Cause | Under investigation, unclear at this stage |
| Previous Incidents | November 2024 (Sea Story sank, 11 missing), June 2024 (24 evacuated), 2023 (3 died in fire) |
| Safety Report Findings | March 2024 report: many boats lack maintenance, safety, and stability systems |
Conclusion
This incident, while tragic, provides an opportunity to reassess and strengthen safety protocols in the Red Sea’s tourist boat industry.
The loss of life and injuries serve as a call to action for both operators and regulators to prioritize passenger safety, ensuring that the allure of underwater exploration does not come at the cost of human lives.
References
- Egypt submarine disaster latest updates: Nationalities of first victims emerge as tourist vessel sinks in Red Sea
- Tourist submarine sinks off Egypt’s coast, leaving 6 dead and 9 injured, officials say
- Egypt submarine latest: Six tourists dead after Sindbad vessel sinks with 44 passengers on board
- Tourist submarine sinks off Egypt’s coast, leaving 6 dead and 9 injured, officials say
- Six reported dead after Egypt tourist submarine sinks in Red Sea – latest updates
- At Least 6 Feared Dead and 9 Others Injured After Tourist Submarine Sinks Off Egypt’s Coast: Reports
