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What was meant to be a scenic underwater excursion in Egypt’s Red Sea quickly spiraled into chaos, triggering emergency responses and leaving tourists and their families in shock.
On Wednesday, a routine submarine tour in Hurghada—intended to offer a breathtaking glimpse of marine life—descended into turmoil.
The Sindbad Submarines fleet, which has long operated in the region, is known for providing visitors with dry, immersive coral reef explorations.
As usual, the Sindbad team started their day with standard procedures, beginning with noon registration before transporting guests by boat to the submarine’s designated launch site.
Equipped with emergency oxygen masks and life vests, the submarine is designed to safely transport up to 44 passengers beneath the waves.
Marketed as a family-friendly adventure, the experience is described as “unforgettable” and “perfect for memory-making.”
However, on March 27, tragedy struck.
Despite constant media scrutiny, Affleck remains committed to protecting his children’s privacy.
Following their 2018 divorce, he and Garner continue to co-parent their three children—Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel—offering them a supportive and stable upbringing.
The submarine, stationed at the marina of a well-known Hurghada hotel, was preparing for its scheduled journey with 44 passengers from various countries.
Trouble arose just before departure, with initial reports of a serious malfunction surfacing moments before midday.
In response, the Red Sea Health Directorate and the Egyptian Ambulance Authority swiftly activated their highest emergency protocols.
Security forces and rescue teams, supported by 21 ambulances, rushed to the scene to launch a large-scale rescue operation.
According to Egyptian newspaper Al-Masry Al-Youm, 29 passengers were successfully rescued.
Nine survivors sustained injuries, with four in critical condition.
Russian embassy officials in Cairo confirmed in an official statement that all passengers aboard the sunken submarine were Russian citizens.
“All tourists who were on board the sunken submarine are citizens of the Russian Federation,” the embassy stated, withholding names until families could be notified.
Sindbad Submarines’ management has remained silent regarding the tragedy. Attempts by UNILAD to obtain a statement from the company have so far gone unanswered.
Many are struggling to comprehend how a tour operated by a prestigious recreational submarine company—one of only 14 in the world—could result in such a catastrophe.
The submarine company markets itself as a reliable provider of immersive underwater experiences in Egypt.
Egyptian maritime safety officials are leading an ongoing investigation, gathering eyewitness testimonies and analyzing the technical failures that led to the disaster.
The sudden sinking has raised concerns about safety protocols and emergency preparedness within the Red Sea’s tourism industry.
Once known for its vibrant and inviting coastal waters, Hurghada now stands as a site of investigation and mourning.
