Tragedy in the Red Sea: Submarine accident claims six lives
At least six people were killed on Thursday in a tourist submarine accident near Hurghada, Egypt, local authorities reported. Additional information regarding this tragic incident is now emerging.
The submarine, owned by the Sindbad hotel and bearing the same name, sank shortly after setting out on a voyage in the Red Sea, approximately 1 kilometre from the shore. The cause of the accident is not yet known. The BBC reported that Sindbad had been in use for several years.
Egypt. Tragic consequences of the submarine accident
At least six people died in the accident, and nine were injured, while 29 others were rescued. The injured, including four people in critical condition, were taken to nearby hospitals. There were reportedly around 40 tourists on board the submarine.
The Embassy of the Russian Federation in Cairo reports that all the victims are Russian citizens. The Russian consul in Egypt states that among the victims are two children.
According to the BBC, besides Russians, there were also tourists from Norway, Sweden, and India on the submarine, along with five Egyptian crew members. The Sindbad company has cancelled upcoming trips, and the authorities are conducting an investigation. There have been unconfirmed reports that the vessel struck a reef at a depth of 20 metres and lost pressure.
The submarine had a valid licence, and the crew commander had obtained the necessary certifications to operate it.
Not the first accident in Egypt
It was noted that this is not the first such accident in Hurghada. In November last year, 11 people were killed or went missing after a tourist boat named Sea Story sank; 35 people survived that accident. Egyptian authorities then concluded that the cause of the tragedy was waves reaching heights of up to 4 metres.
According to the BBC, British law enforcement agencies involved in investigating such incidents claim that in February this year alone, there were 16 incidents involving small boats used in various forms of diving in the Hurghada area.
Hurghada, located about 460 kilometres southeast of Cairo, is an important tourist destination in Egypt; it is known for its attractive beaches and coral reefs. Tourism is a significant sector of Egypt's economy; it is estimated that about 2 million people are employed in this industry, generating over 10 percent of GDP.
