Egypt submarine sinking: What we know so far

BBC News

27-03-2025

Six people have died after a tourist submarine sank in the Red Sea off the coast of Egypt, a local governor has said.Among 39 others who were rescued, nine were said to have been injured with four in critical condition after the incident early on Thursday near the city of Hurghada.In total, 45 passengers were thought to have been on-board the submarine, called Sindbad, when it sank close to the harbour. Here's what we know so far.
Who was on board?
The Red Sea area governor, Amr Hanafy, said six tourists died and 39 further people were rescued after the submarine sank. No people are missing, and it is not known how many of those on board were tourists and how many were crew.A Russian official in Hurghada, Viktor Voropaev, said that two of those killed were children.That came after an earlier statement from the Russian embassy in Egypt, which said all of the tourists on board were Russian.
What was the submarine doing?
The submarine, Sindbad, had been in operation as a tourist submarine for a number of years.According to the company running the tourist trips - Sindbad Submarines - its vessels take passengers on journeys to explore coral reefs near the Hurghada coastline.The company says it holds two of the only "14 real recreational submarines" in the world, which hold 44 seats for passengers and two seats for pilots.Tours are designed for both adults and children, the company's website says, and allow passengers to travel 25 metres (82 feet) underwater.
Where did the submarine sink?
The submarine sank off the coast of the Egyptian Red Sea city of Hurghada, the BBC understands.It is believed the incident took place in the harbour. The Russian embassy said it happened around 10:00 local time (08:00 GMT), around 0.6 miles (1km) from the shore.Hurghada is a popular tourist destination, with its coastline known for its beaches and coral reefs. A number of tourist trip companies operate out of its harbour.In recent years, there have been other incidents involving Red Sea tourist boats operating out of the city.In November, a tourist boat called the Sea Story sank, leaving 11 dead or missing - including a British couple - and 35 survivors. The BBC later heard accusations of safety failings on board.UK investigators said last month there had been 16 incidents involving "liveaboard" vessels in the area in the last five years, with a number resulting in deaths.
How did the submarine sink?
Authorities in Egypt are investigating the cause of the incident, and details are currently unclear. There continues to be a lot of activity from other boats around the harbour near where the submarine sank.It appeared that the weather was quite calm with no sign of any rough waters.