In a tragic incident off the coast of Egypt, a tourist submarine named Sindbad sank, resulting in the deaths of six people, including two children. The vessel, carrying 45 Russian tourists and five crew members, capsized around 10 a.m. local time on March 27, 2025, just a kilometer from the shore near the popular resort city of Hurghada.
Among the deceased are husband and wife medics, Ravil Valiullin, 40, an anaesthetist, and Kristina Valiullin, 39, a children’s doctor, leaving their two daughters, aged 10 and 15, orphaned. The girls were among the survivors and are currently hospitalized. Four of the nine injured passengers are reported to be in critical condition, while 39 people were successfully rescued from the water.
The Russian Embassy confirmed that all passengers aboard the vessel were Russian citizens, tourists from the Biblio Globus travel company. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the submarine began its descent with its hatches open, leading to a rapid inundation of water. Survivor Elena Boldareva recounted that some passengers were able to swim to safety, while others were not so fortunate.
As the situation unfolded, multiple ambulances were dispatched to the scene, and the Egyptian Health Ministry declared a state of emergency. Local authorities have confirmed that no one remains missing from the vessel, and all survivors have been accounted for.
This incident marks a grim chapter in the history of maritime tourism in the Red Sea, which has a troubling record of accidents. Just last November, a tourist boat named Sea Story capsized, resulting in 11 deaths or missing persons. Over the past five years, there have been 16 documented incidents involving liveaboard dive vessels in the region, raising serious concerns about safety standards.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) of the UK had previously criticized the safety protocols of vessels operating in the Red Sea, highlighting issues such as poorly constructed boats and inadequate safety briefings. Chief Inspector Andrew Moll OBE emphasized the need for extreme caution when choosing such boats, indicating that they are often not maintained to the same standards as similar vessels operating in the UK.
Reports from Russian media suggest that the Sindbad submarine was in poor condition prior to the incident, with tourists noting issues with its glass windows and life jackets. Complaints included broken visibility and a lack of emergency instructions, which may have contributed to the chaos during the sinking.
Local authorities are currently conducting an investigation into the cause of the accident, with preliminary reports indicating that the submarine may have collided with a coral reef, leading to cabin depressurization. This type of incident can be extremely dangerous, as it can cause a rapid drop in oxygen levels, leading to hypoxia and other serious health risks.
The Sindbad submarine had been a popular attraction for tourists wishing to explore the vibrant coral reefs of the Red Sea, offering a three-hour tour that included a descent to depths of up to 85 feet. Tickets for the excursion typically cost £53 for adults and £25 for children.
As the investigation continues, the Russian consulate in Hurghada has been actively involved, providing support to the victims' families and ensuring that survivors receive the necessary medical care. The emotional toll of the incident is palpable, with many survivors expressing shock and disbelief at the tragedy.
British tourist Kelly Collins, who had recently taken a trip on the Sindbad submarine, expressed her devastation upon hearing the news. "I’m shocked, saddened, and in disbelief to hear the news about the poor people on the submarine. I think this has put me off submarines," she stated.
As the world watches the aftermath of this tragedy, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety in tourism, particularly in activities involving watercraft. The Red Sea region, known for its stunning underwater landscapes, must address these safety concerns to prevent future tragedies.
In the wake of the Sindbad disaster, experts are calling for a thorough review of safety protocols for tourist vessels operating in the area. Dr. Simon Boxall from the National Oceanography Centre has highlighted the intense nature of operating such boats and the urgent need for improved safety standards to protect tourists.
The Sindbad incident echoes past maritime disasters, including the Titan submersible implosion in 2023, which claimed the lives of five individuals. As investigations unfold, the hope is that lessons will be learned to enhance safety measures and ensure that such tragedies do not occur again.
As the community in Hurghada mourns the loss of life, families are left to grapple with the aftermath, and the tourism industry faces increased scrutiny regarding safety practices. The future of submarine tourism in the Red Sea now hangs in the balance as authorities and operators work to restore confidence among travelers.
