In a tragic incident off the coast of Hurghada, Egypt, a bathyscaphe carrying Russian tourists sank during an underwater excursion on March 27, 2025. According to the latest reports from the Egyptian Ministry of Health and the Russian Consulate in Hurghada, six people have died, while 23 others sustained serious injuries.
The bathyscaphe, named Sindbad, embarked on its journey in the Red Sea with 45 tourists on board, including citizens from Russia, India, Norway, and Sweden. The accident occurred approximately one kilometer from the shore around 10 a.m. local time. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the vessel may have collided with a coral reef, leading to the tragedy.
Survivors recounted harrowing details of the incident. One tourist shared her experience with the TG channel Baza, stating that the crew failed to close the hatches before submerging. "The ship began to submerge without waiting for all the passengers to board. All the hatches and doors were wide open," she recalled. She described a chaotic scene as an Egyptian crew member shouted, "Stop! stop!" but his voice went unheard inside the vessel. "We threw out the children. I realized I could no longer get out of the pontoon and tried to swim further," she added.
Despite the desperate efforts of rescuers, only 39 of the 50 individuals on board were saved. The six fatalities included a married couple from Tatarstan, Kristina and Ravil Valiullin, who were both medical professionals. Their two daughters, aged 10 and 15, were among the injured and are currently hospitalized, although their condition is reported to be stable.
As the situation unfolded, local authorities reported that four of the injured individuals are in critical condition. The Russian Consulate confirmed that seven additional Russian citizens, including five children, remain hospitalized but are not in life-threatening conditions.
Preliminary investigations into the cause of the accident have yet to yield official conclusions. However, initial assessments suggest that one of the two captains may have mismanaged the vessel or acted negligently by navigating too close to the reef. The impact reportedly compromised the vessel’s watertight integrity, leading to rapid flooding and eventual capsizing.
Amr Hanafi, the Governor of the Red Sea Province, stated that the Sindbad bathyscaphe was operating with a valid license and that the captain possessed the necessary qualifications. In light of the incident, all submersions of excursion bathyscaphes off the coast of Hurghada have been suspended, as announced by the Association of Tour Operators of Russia.
The Russian Investigative Committee has launched a criminal case under Part 3 of Article 263 of the Russian Criminal Code, which pertains to violations of traffic safety and operation of water transport that result in the death of more than two individuals.
This incident marks a somber moment for the tourism sector in Egypt, particularly in Hurghada, where underwater excursions have gained popularity since their introduction in 2006. Initially, these excursions utilized small submarines capable of descending to depths of 25 meters; however, lighter bathyscaphes that rarely dive deeper than five meters have become more common.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to recover the bathyscaphe from the depths of the Red Sea. The fate of eight passengers remains unknown, adding to the urgency of the situation. The tragic loss of life and the impact on the families involved have sent shockwaves through the communities affected.
In the wake of this disaster, travel advisories and safety protocols are expected to be reviewed to prevent similar incidents in the future. Tourists are being urged to exercise caution and remain informed about potential dangers while vacationing in Egypt.
As more details emerge, the focus remains on the victims and their families, who are grappling with the aftermath of this devastating event. The tourism industry, which is vital to Egypt's economy, faces scrutiny as it seeks to ensure the safety and well-being of its visitors.
