A tragic accident occurred in the Red Sea off the coast of Egypt when a tourist submarine carrying 44 passengers, including children, sank during an excursion to explore coral reefs. The submarine, Sindbad, sank near a hotel marina in Hurghada, leading to six fatalities and nine injuries, including four in critical condition. A rescue operation was launched, and 29 people were rescued.

The submarine, which typically offers underwater views of marine life, had been operating in Hurghada for years. The vessel can descend 82 feet deep, providing passengers with views of the reefs and fish.

According to reports, six foreign nationals died, with some sources saying all passengers were Russian, although the exact nationalities remain unclear. One of the victims was a child. Hurghada, a popular tourist spot, draws many European visitors, particularly from Germany, Russia, and the Czech Republic.

Despite the area’s popularity, the UK government had issued a safety warning about diving holidays in the Red Sea after multiple accidents, advising travelers to book through reputable vendors and request safety briefings.