In brief
A tragic incident occurred in the Red Sea off the coast of Egypt when a tourist submarine, Sindbad, sank, resulting in the deaths of six tourists and injuries to others.
Following the sinking, a total of 45 passengers from various countries were accounted for, with six fatalities, all Russian nationals, including two children. The submarine, which had been providing tours to view coral reefs, was known for its safety procedures, but eyewitness accounts raised concerns regarding safety measures. As investigations into the incident unfold, authorities stress that the vessel had a valid licence and calm weather conditions were reported at the time.The local governor, Amr Hanafy, confirmed that the submarine sank around 1 kilometre off the coast of Hurghada, a popular tourist destination. Of the total passengers, 39 were rescued, with nine sustaining injuries, four in critical condition. The incident marked another concerning episode for tourism safety in the region, following a previous boat sinking in November that resulted in multiple casualties. The sinking of the Sindbad submarine is currently under investigation, with authorities closely examining the circumstances surrounding the tragedy as they aim to ensure the safety of such tourist activities in the future.
