Survivors recount the crucial error that resulted in the catastrophic Red Sea submarine accident, causing the tragic deaths of six tourists.
Tourist submarine crew’s ‘mistake’ that condemned six tourists to a terrifying death beneath the waves off Egypt… as Brits describe trips on ‘death trap’
A tourist submarine sank off the coast of Hurghada, Egypt, leaving six people dead. Survivors claim the vessel began to descend with its hatches open.
Passengers had to scramble out as water flooded inside.
Elena Boldareva and her husband managed to swim out. Her daughter and mother were among the 39 rescued. Some were not as lucky.
Witnesses describe the chaos before the disaster unfolded.
After being rescued from the tourist submarine tragedy, Boldareva, one of the lucky tourists, revealed what happened when the Red Sea submarine got stuck
Boldareva recalled tourists desperately trying to save themselves.
Nearby boats rushed to pull people from the water. Another survivor shared a similar story with Russian media.
“We were about to board when the submarine started sinking,” she said. “The man loading passengers yelled ‘stop’ and tried to push us back.”
The submarine began its descent before all passengers were safely inside. Many were already onboard when disaster struck.
According to report, at least six Russian tourists, including two children, lost their lives. Nine others were injured.
While Authorities’ efforts to rescue victims from the Red Sea submarine disaster. They have confirmed 39 rescues so far.
Passenger Kristina Valliulina was reunited with her children at the hospital. Her husband, Ravil Valiullin, was also aboard, but his fate remains unclear.
Tourists had expressed safety concerns and revealed a critical mistake that led to the disaster
The incident raised concerns about past submarine operations. Some tourists previously warned about safety issues.
A TripAdvisor reviewer described how the submarine frequently hit the sea floor. “It’s bad for the coral, sea life, and the sub itself,” they wrote.
Other reviewers called the experience unsafe. One person described it as a “big scam.” Another warned that boarding procedures felt dangerous.
While, Kelly Collins, 32, had toured the Sindbad submarine just days earlier. She now vows never to enter a submarine again.
‘I’m shocked, saddened and in disbelief to hear the news about the poor people on the submarine,’ she said today. ‘I think this has put me off submarines.’
Collins described a 30-minute boat ride to the docking platform before boarding. The submarine trip lasted about 40 minutes before returning to shore.
Tom McDowell, 63, took the same tour last year. His wife refused to go, fearing claustrophobia. McDowell initially felt safe but is now shaken by the news.
“I was nervous at first,” he admitted. “But everything seemed professional. Now, I’ll never go in a submarine again.”
Details of the the Submarine’s final trip
The Sindbad submarine was carrying around 45 passengers when it sank. Authorities initially reported 44 onboard.
Emergency teams saved 39 people. The Red Sea governor confirmed that no one remains missing. Reports indicate 21 ambulances were deployed to the scene.
Initial reports claimed all passengers were Russian. However, Egyptian officials later stated that travelers from India, Norway, and Sweden were also onboard.
While, Moscow’s embassy confirmed four Russian deaths, while local officials reported six. The discrepancy remains unresolved.
The Sindbad submarine was meant for underwater excursions to view coral reefs. Officials are investigating what led to the fatal accident.
Russian media reports that a child orphaned by the disaster remains hospitalized. Their parents did not survive.