A sightseeing submarine tragically sank near the popular Egyptian resort of Hurghada in the Red Sea on Thursday. The incident caused the deaths of six Russian tourists. The local governor’s office confirmed this unfortunate news via Facebook. Additionally, 39 other foreign tourists aboard were successfully rescued. Authorities confirmed no passengers or crew members were missing.
Details of the Incident
The submarine, named “Sinbad,” carried 50 individuals on board. Among them were 45 tourists from various nationalities, including Russian, Indian, Norwegian, and Swedish visitors. Additionally, five Egyptian crew members were aboard.
The Russian consulate in Hurghada quickly released a statement. It noted, “The majority of those onboard have been rescued and are currently receiving care in Hurghada’s hotels and hospitals.” 
According to the tour company’s official website, the Sinbad submarine was well-equipped with large viewing windows. These windows offered passengers breathtaking views of the Red Sea’s magnificent coral reefs and marine life. The submarine could dive to a depth of 25 meters.
Interestingly, this sightseeing submarine differed significantly from the extreme deep-sea exploration submersible Titan. Titan imploded thousands of meters below the Atlantic Ocean near the wreckage of the Titanic in June 2023.
Tourism: Egypt’s Economic Lifeline
The Red Sea region serves as a vital hub for Egypt’s tourism industry. Tourism stands as one of Egypt’s most significant economic pillars. Russian tourists have become increasingly essential contributors. Egypt also remains globally renowned for historical sites. These include the iconic Great Pyramid of Giza and the famous Nile River cruises in Luxor and Aswan.
Previous Egyptian administrations have notably succeeded in combating Islamic extremist groups. These groups previously targeted foreign tourists, severely harming Egypt’s tourism sector.
Authorities Initiate Investigation
Local governor Amr Hanafi stated that Egyptian authorities, in cooperation with the submarine’s crew, have already begun investigating the cause of the sinking. He pointed out that the vessel’s owner, an Egyptian national, holds a valid license. The submarine’s captain also has a valid license.
Recent Maritime Incidents Raise Concerns
Recently, several similar maritime incidents have occurred. These incidents have raised safety concerns in the region. Last June, a tourist boat sank due to severe wave damage. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties.
In November, a more severe incident occurred. A tourist vessel named “Sea Story,” carrying 31 tourists and 13 crew members, capsized during a multi-day diving trip. Local media reported that high waves caused the accident. Tragically, the incident resulted in at least 11 fatalities. The governor of the Red Sea province affirmed at the time that “Sea Story” passed a safety inspection just eight months prior.
Last month, another tourist boat capsized while heading to Hurghada after undergoing repairs. Authorities have not provided further details on this incident.
Neither Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism nor the diving association has responded to requests for comments from Reuters.
Egypt Tops African Tourism Revenue
A recent United Nations report highlights the significance of tourism. It ranks Egypt as Africa’s leading tourism earner, with projected revenues reaching $14.1 billion in 2024. This figure notably surpasses the income generated from the Suez Canal. This emphasizes tourism’s crucial role in supporting Egypt’s struggling economy.
