In a tragic incident off the coast of Egypt, a tourist submarine sank in the Red Sea, resulting in the deaths of six individuals. The disaster occurred while the vessel, which was part of an excursion offering underwater views of marine life, was operating near the popular resort town of Sharm El-Sheikh. The submarine, carrying both Egyptian nationals and foreign tourists, went down during a routine dive on the morning of March 28, 2025.
Initial reports suggest that the submarine was 100 meters underwater when it encountered technical difficulties. Despite the crew’s efforts to stabilize the situation, the vessel reportedly lost power, leading to a catastrophic failure. Rescue operations were swiftly launched, with coast guard vessels and local emergency teams racing to the scene.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of panic as passengers scrambled to the submarine’s emergency exits. However, due to the depth at which the submarine was operating, the chances of a successful evacuation were limited. By the time rescue crews arrived, six of the passengers had perished, and several others were injured.
The victims have been identified as both local Egyptians and foreign tourists, with nationality details still being finalized. The injured have been transferred to nearby hospitals for treatment, and their conditions are currently being monitored.
The cause of the incident remains under investigation, with Egyptian authorities working in collaboration with marine safety experts and the submarine’s operators. Preliminary investigations suggest that a mechanical malfunction or failure in the vessel’s pressure systems may have contributed to the sinking.
The Ministry of Tourism has expressed condolences to the families of the victims and pledged a full investigation into the incident. We are deeply saddened by this tragic event and extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families affected, said the Ministry’s spokesperson.
This incident has cast a shadow over Egypt’s thriving tourism industry, particularly the Red Sea region, which is known for its vibrant underwater ecosystems and popular diving excursions. Local authorities are expected to implement stricter safety regulations and oversight on all tourist submarine operations in the coming days.
The submarine company involved has also released a statement offering their condolences and promising full cooperation with the investigation. They emphasized that the vessel had undergone routine safety checks and was compliant with all international maritime safety standards prior to the incident.
As investigations continue, families and friends of the victims await further updates, while the tourism community reflects on the safety protocols in place for such excursions in Egypt’s waters.
