Russian tourists perish in Red Sea submarine tragedy
A submarine carrying tourists has sunk off the coast of Hurghada, a well-known resort on the Red Sea. Six people have lost their lives. The Embassy of the Russian Federation in Cairo has confirmed that all the deceased were Russian nationals.
What do you need to know?
- Where and when did the accident occur? The accident happened off the coast of Hurghada in Egypt, on the Red Sea.
- Who are the victims? The Embassy of the Russian Federation in Cairo has confirmed that all the victims were Russian citizens.
- How many people were injured? According to local media, at least six people have died, and 19 are injured, four of whom are in critical condition.
Submarine sinking in Egypt
The submarine named Sindbad sank shortly after departing from Hurghada. The cause of the accident has not yet been determined.
"At least six people have died in the tourist submarine accident off the coast of Hurghada in Egypt on the Red Sea," local services have reported.
About 40 people were on board, according to the BBC, citing local sources in Egypt.
Is this the first such incident in Hurghada?
This is not the first time tragedy has struck in Hurghada involving tourist boats. In November last year, the Sea Story boat sank, resulting in the death or disappearance of 11 people.
"Egyptian authorities assessed at that time that the cause of the tragedy was waves reaching 4 metres," recalls Polish Press Agency.
What are the reactions to the accident?
The British broadcaster BBC highlights that the Sindbad boat had been operational for a long time.
The Independent informs, "The safety bulletin ... comes after MAIB found that over the last five years, there have been 16 accidents involving liveaboard dive vessels operating in the Red Sea."
