A fun underwater trip turned into a nightmare today, March 27, 2025, when the tourist bathyscaphe “Sinbad” sank off the coast of Hurghada in the Red Sea. The vessel, carrying 45 Russian tourists, hit trouble about one kilometer from shore, leaving six crew members dead and 39 passengers injured.
Routine Trip Ends in Disaster
The “Sinbad,” operated by a local company tied to the Sinbad Hotel, was on a routine excursion to explore Egypt’s famous coral reefs. Families, including kids, were aboard, expecting a cool peek at the underwater world. But around 10 a.m. local time, something went terribly wrong. Early reports suggest the bathyscaphe slammed into a reef, causing a hull breach that let water rush in fast.
Panic and Rescue
Panic must have set in as the vessel started sinking. Rescue teams raced to the scene, pulling 29 people to safety. Ambulances lined the shore, and survivors—some shaken, some hurt—were taken to nearby hotels and hospitals. Thankfully, most of those rescued are doing okay, but the mood is heavy with six lives lost and others still reeling from injuries.
All Russian Tourists Aboard
The Russian Embassy in Cairo confirmed all the tourists were Russian citizens, part of a group organized by the travel company Biblio Globus. Diplomats are on the ground at the Sinbad Hotel’s pier, piecing things together and supporting those affected. Posts on X mention 39 injured, though official counts haven’t locked that number in yet—it’s a chaotic scene, and details are still fuzzy.
What Went Wrong?
What happened? Fingers are pointing at that reef collision, followed by depressurization that doomed the craft. The “Sinbad” wasn’t some rickety boat—it’s been running these trips for years, billed as a safe, air-conditioned way to see the Red Sea’s wonders. But this isn’t the first scare in these waters. Just last November, a tourist boat, the Sea Story, sank near Marsa Alam, leaving 11 dead or missing. It’s a stark reminder that even paradise has its risks.
A Trip Meant to Be a Highlight
For the families aboard, this was supposed to be a highlight of their Egyptian adventure. Instead, it’s a tragedy that’s left everyone asking how this could happen. Rescue efforts are winding down, but the search for answers is just starting. The Red Sea’s beauty hides some sharp edges—today, they cut deep.