Everything we know about tourist submarine that sank as six people are killed

Six people are confirmed to be deceased after a tourist submarine sank off the coast of Egypt today.

The submarine, named 'Sindbad' is reported to have been carrying 45 passengers when it sank less than a mile from the Red Sea city of Hurghada, Egypt.

As updates continue to come in, here's everything we know about the incident so far.

What happened?

According to a plethora of local reports, the vessel sank on Thursday morning (27 March), with the Russian Embassy in Egypt telling NBC News (via Sky News): "On March 27, at about 10:00, the Sindbad bathyscaphe, owned by the hotel of the same name, crashed 1km off the shore. […] In addition to the crew, there were 45 tourists on board, including minors."

A number of ambulances, security and emergency services were subsequently dispatched to the area.

The cause of the sinking has not yet been confirmed.

Six people have confirmed to have died (Sindbad Submarines)

Where did the vessel sink?

The submarine is understood to have sunk off the coast of Egypt, specifically metres away from the marina of Hurghada - a prominent hotspot for holiday-makers from around the world.

According to witnesses who spoke to local news outlet Al Masry Al Youm, Sindbad capsized before the marina of one of the 'most famous hotels' in the tourist area, which, LBC reports, has not yet been identified.

The marina is famed for its bars and restaurants, with the area in general famed globally for its plush beaches.

A tourist boat named the Sea Story sank in the same Hurghada earlier in November 2024, after which 11 individuals were ruled as either dead or missing, with 35 passengers surviving the incident.

According to the BBC, UK investigators declared last week that 16 incidents had occurred involving 'live-aboard' vessels in the area within the last five years - a number of which have resulted in multiple deaths.

Who was on-board?

The Sindbad was carrying 45 passengers of different nationalities, with six individuals having been confirmed to have died while nine others have been injured in the accident.

The BBC further reported that 29 others were rescued by emergency crews.

According to the statement from the Russian Embassy, the 'health concern' of those who were rescued 'is not a concern', adding that they'd been 'taken to their hotels and hospitals in Hurghada'.

"The fate of several tourists is being clarified." it said.

Several other vessels have sunk in the same area of Egypt in recent years (Sindbad Submarines)

Who runs the excursions?

According to the BBC, Sindbad Submarines has been operating tourist excursions in the area for several years, and claims to hold two of the '14 real recreational submarines' in the world.

The company's website says the vessels offer '44 passenger seats - two pilots', as well as a 'sizeable round viewing window for each passenger'.

"Experience the beauty of the Red Sea’s underwater world without getting wet," the site continues. "It’s perfect for all ages and the memories will last a lifetime.

"We provide point-to-point transfer from your hotel to our terminal, including land-sea transportation, and all with an excellent level of service."

Despite the name of the vessel, the Sindbad doesn't fully submerge beneath the waves, only travelling 25 metres (82 feet) underwater to see '500 metres of coral reef and its marine inhabitant'.

LADbible Group has contacted Sindbad Submarines for comment.