A tourist submarine carrying Russian passengers sank off the coast of Hurghada, Egypt, leaving six people dead, according to local authorities. The vessel, named “Sindbad,” had 45 Russian tourists on board along with crew members. While most passengers were rescued and transported to hospitals or hotels, the exact number of survivors remains unclear.
The Russian consulate in Hurghada initially reported four fatalities but did not confirm their nationalities. Local media later stated that 29 passengers had been safely recovered.
The Red Sea, a major destination for divers and marine tourism, has witnessed several maritime accidents in recent months. In November, a diving boat capsized due to high waves, resulting in four deaths, while another vessel sank in June following storm damage, though no casualties were reported.
Egypt’s tourism sector, which remains a critical pillar of the economy, continues to attract millions of visitors annually, with Russians making up a significant share. A UN report ranked Egypt as Africa’s top tourism earner in 2024, generating $14.1 billion in revenue—more than double its earnings from the Suez Canal.
