In a devastating incident off the coast of Hurghada, a viewing submarine sank in the Red Sea on Thursday, resulting in the tragic deaths of six Russian tourists. Local authorities confirmed that 39 other foreign tourists were successfully rescued from the vessel, which had a total of 50 people onboard, including 45 foreign tourists from various nationalities and five Egyptian crew members.

The submarine, named "Sindbad," was designed with large portholes to offer passengers stunning views of the vibrant corals and marine life the Red Sea is famous for, capable of descending to depths of 25 meters. The Red Sea Governorate released a statement via Facebook, assuring the public that all passengers and crew members had been accounted for following the incident.

The Russian consulate in Hurghada reported that most of those rescued were promptly taken to nearby hotels and medical facilities for treatment after the harrowing experience. The tragedy comes as a stark reminder of safety challenges in a region that relies heavily on tourism, particularly from Russia, which has seen an increasing number of visitors in recent years along with other nations such as India, Norway, and Sweden.

Officials are currently conducting thorough investigations to ascertain the causes of the submarine's sinking. According to Red Sea Province Governor Amr Hanafy, both the submarine and its captain were properly licensed and certified. 

This latest incident highlights a worrying trend, as the region has witnessed several tourist boat accidents in recent months. Last June, a boat capsized due to severe weather conditions, resulting in a miraculous escape with no casualties reported. In November, a separate incident involved a tourist vessel carrying 31 individuals, leading to 11 confirmed deaths. 

Despite these incidents, tourism remains a lifeline for Egypt’s economy. A recent United Nations report ranked Egypt first in Africa for tourism revenue in 2024, estimating earnings of $14.1 billion—more than double the revenue from the Suez Canal. The country continues to attract visitors not only to its coastal resorts but also to its historical sites, including the iconic pyramids of Giza and the Nile cruises in Luxor and Aswan.

As investigations continue, the local tourism industry is under scrutiny, ensuring that necessary safety measures are reinforced to protect both visitors and the reputation of Egypt’s crucial economy.