A terrifying footage reveals the chaotic moment as panicked tourists scream while the doomed Egyptian submarine Sindbad begins sinking into the depths.
Video captures chaos as Sindbad submarine begins to sink
Disturbing footage has emerged showing the moment the Sindbad tourist submarine began sinking in the Red Sea. The incident occurred as passengers were still boarding, leaving them scrambling for safety.
Holidaymakers were heard screaming as the vessel, with its hatch still open, started to descend. Water quickly rose around the submarine, submerging tourists who stood on top of the vessel.
Although the video does not capture the interior, the open hatch suggests water rapidly filled the cabin. Within seconds, passengers were forced to swim for their lives.
The tragic aftermath: six dead, several injured
The disaster claimed the lives of six out of 45 people on board. Authorities confirmed that 39 passengers and five crew members were rescued.
At least nine people sustained injuries. Four victims, including a child, remain in critical condition.
Egyptian police have launched an investigation and are questioning the crew. The BBC reported that the submarine had a valid license, and the crew leader possessed the required scientific certifications.
Preliminary reports suggest the submarine struck a reef and lost pressure at 20 meters deep. The Association of Tour Operators of Russia shared this information via Telegram.
Victims identified: families devastated by tragedy
Red Sea Province Governor Amr Hanafy confirmed that all six victims were Russian nationals. The Russian consulate in Hurghada stated that two children were among the deceased.
One of the victims, Lyudmila Gordeeva, 35, from Vyborg, Russia, died alongside her daughter Sofia, 13, and one of her twin sons, aged three. Her husband and surviving twin are receiving treatment in a local hospital.
Another victim, Dr. Ravil Valiullin, 40, was an anesthetist and father of two. He died in the incident, while his wife, Dr. Kristina Valiullina, 39, and their daughters, aged ten and 15, survived.
The Russian consulate extended condolences to the victims’ families. Seven Russian citizens, including five minors, remain hospitalized but are reportedly in stable condition.
Egypt imposes temporary ban on submarine excursions
Russian Channel 5 reported that investigators suspect human error by the submarine crew. However, officials are also examining potential technical failures and safety violations.
Following the disaster, Egyptian authorities temporarily suspended all tourist submarine excursions.
Survivor accounts reveal harrowing moments
Passengers who survived the disaster shared chilling details of the moment they realized something was wrong.
Regina, a Russian tourist aboard the submarine with her two children, recalled the terrifying experience. She stated that they were still boarding when the vessel unexpectedly began to submerge.
“The Egyptian crew member responsible for boarding shouted, ‘Stop, stop!’ But no one inside heard him,” Regina said.
She and her family were lucky to be on top of the submarine when it started sinking. They quickly pushed the children to safety before the vessel fully submerged.
“I knew I wouldn’t be able to climb onto the pontoon,” she recalled. “I swam away, fearing the currents would drag me under.”
Regina also criticized the lack of emergency equipment at the scene.
“There was not a single life preserver, lifebuoy, or vest on the pontoon,” she said. “Rescue boats arrived, but there were no medics among them.”
As investigations continue, families of the victims demand accountability for the devastating tragedy. Authorities are expected to release further updates on safety measures for underwater excursions in the region.