Multiple Fatalities Reported as Submarine with Russian Tourists Sinks Near Egyptian Coast, Embassy Confirms

A tourist submarine carrying dozens of passengers sank off the coast of Hurghada, Egypt, on Thursday, killing at least six people, including foreign tourists, according to reports from Egyptian authorities and embassies. The incident occurred in the Red Sea, a popular destination known for its diving sites and marine life.

Submarine Tragedy

The submarine, which was reportedly on a sightseeing tour, began to experience technical difficulties before sinking. Officials have yet to confirm the exact cause of the incident, but preliminary reports suggest a possible mechanical failure. Divers and rescue teams were deployed immediately, managing to save many of the passengers. However, at least six people, including Russian and European tourists, were confirmed dead.

According to CNN, the Russian embassy in Cairo confirmed that Russian citizens were among those on board, and some had lost their lives. The exact number of Russians involved is still being verified. Meanwhile, Egyptian authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Eyewitness Accounts

Passengers who survived the ordeal described a sudden jolt before water started leaking into the vessel. Panic ensued as the submarine lost stability and began to sink. One survivor told Reuters, “Everything happened so fast. One moment we were enjoying the view, and the next, alarms were going off. People were screaming.”

A rescue operation involving the Egyptian coast guard and local diving teams managed to bring several passengers back to shore safely. However, rough sea conditions and poor visibility complicated the effort.

Investigation Underway

Authorities are now trying to determine what went wrong. Egyptian officials have stated that the submarine had undergone routine maintenance checks before the trip. However, experts believe that age and improper safety protocols may have contributed to the sinking. The New York Times reported that similar tourist vessels in the area have previously faced scrutiny over their safety standards.

Egypt’s tourism ministry has assured the public that a full investigation will be conducted. In a statement, they emphasized their commitment to improving safety measures for all marine tourism activities.

Impact on Tourism

The tragedy comes at a time when Egypt is trying to rebuild its tourism sector, which has faced challenges in recent years. The Red Sea is one of Egypt’s top attractions, drawing thousands of divers and tourists annually. However, incidents like this could impact the confidence of travelers looking to explore the region.

Authorities have advised tour operators to review safety protocols and ensure that all vessels meet international standards. Meanwhile, the families of the victims are being contacted, and arrangements for their repatriation are being made.

As investigations continue, questions remain about the safety of tourist submarines in the region and whether stricter regulations should be enforced to prevent future tragedies.

Sources:

• https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/27/africa/egypt-tourist-submarine-sinks-intl/index.html 
• https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/six-foreigners-killed-sinking-tourist-submarine-off-egypts-red-sea-resort-city-2025-03-27/ 
• https://nypost.com/2025/03/27/world-news/at-least-6-feared-dead-after-tourist-submarine-carrying-about-40-passengers-sinks-off-egypts-red-sea-coast/ 
• https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/27/world/middleeast/egypt-tourist-submarine-hurghada-red-sea.html