Tragic Submarine Incident in the Red Sea Claims Lives of Six Russians
Click to start listening
Synopsis
This tragic submarine accident in the Red Sea resulted in the deaths of six Russians, including minors. The incident occurred during a tourist expedition in Hurghada, prompting investigations into potential pilot error.
Key Takeaways
- Six Russians lost their lives in a submarine accident.
- Two minors were among the victims.
- The submarine was on a coral reef tour.
- The pilot may have made an error leading to the incident.
- Rescue operations saved 38 individuals.
Cairo, March 27 (NationPress) Six individuals, including two minors, of Russian nationality tragically lost their lives when a tourist submarine sank in the Red Sea near the coast of Egypt. This unfortunate event took place on Thursday in the resort city of Hurghada. The vessel was engaged in an underwater tour focused on inspecting coral reefs, as reported by various media outlets.
As per a statement from the Russian Consulate General in Hurghada, reported by Russian news agency RIA Novosti, all tourists aboard were of Russian origin.
"The submarine carried a total of 45 tourists, including minors, along with crew members. All individuals on board were Russian nationals, traveling with the company Biblio Globus," the consulate's announcement indicated.
The diplomatic office informed RIA Novosti that following the submarine's mishap, 38 Russians were rescued, while the status of the others remains uncertain. The Consulate General mentioned that 24 individuals were relocated to hotels, while 14 are currently receiving treatment in hospitals.
The cause of this incident is still under investigation, with the Russian Embassy confirming that consular representatives were dispatched to the Sindbad Hotel pier, which operates the submarine.
According to Egyptian media outlet Youm7, the victims were transported to the nearest hospital located in the Al-Kawther area of Hurghada, with some in critical condition.
Initial reports suggest that the incident may have resulted from pilot error, as he struggled to control the vessel and collided with a reef, leading to cabin depressurization. The tour company, Sharm Hurghada Excursions, informed Russian newspaper Izvestia that this sunken submarine had been operational for over 10 years and was the sole submarine in their fleet.
Hurghada, a renowned tourist destination approximately 460 kilometers (285 miles) southeast of Cairo, is famous for its stunning coral reefs and islands in the Red Sea, drawing international tourists.
