A tourist submarine carrying approximately 40 people sank off the coast of Egypt’s Red Sea on Thursday, prompting a large-scale rescue operation and fears of multiple fatalities. Emergency teams responding to the maritime disaster have confirmed that several passengers are unaccounted for, with at least six feared dead.
The vessel, which departed from a resort area near Hurghada, encountered mechanical failure while submerged, according to preliminary reports from Egyptian maritime authorities. The crew issued a distress signal shortly before contact was lost.
Search and rescue units from Egypt’s navy and coast guard were deployed to the area, joined by civilian boats in the vicinity. Divers later located the wreckage at a depth off the popular tourist coastline, where several bodies were recovered.
Authorities say survivors have been pulled from the water, though the full number of those rescued has not been confirmed. Medical personnel are treating the injured at local hospitals, and families of passengers have been contacted as recovery efforts continue.
The submarine was part of a commercial tourist experience that offers underwater sightseeing tours, a popular attraction in the Red Sea known for its vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
Egyptian officials have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the sinking. The vessel’s maintenance records, safety certifications, and crew training procedures will be examined as part of the probe.
The incident is likely to raise renewed concerns over maritime safety standards in the region, particularly in the tourism sector. Additional updates are expected as rescue operations and identification processes move forward.