Six Russian tourists die after submarine sinks off Egypt coast
GuardianMAR 27
Six Russians Die After Tourist Submarine Sinks Off Red Sea
Above: A view of the Red Sea near the area where a tourist submarine sank off the coast of Hurghada, on March 27, 2025. Image copyright: Mark Malak/Contributor/picture alliance via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
The Red Sea tourism industry maintains strict safety standards with properly licensed vessels and qualified crew members. It's a crucial sector that generated $14.1 billion in revenue for Egypt in 2024, ranking first in Africa for tourism earnings. Thursday's accident was just that, an accident likely caused by a collision with a coral reef that depressurized the submarine's cabin and allowed water to flood in.
Narrative B
Egypt has a history of problems involving tourist boats. The region's maritime safety record shows concerning patterns with 16 serious incidents involving tourist vessels in the past five years, often involving poorly constructed vessels or inadequately trained operators. Thursday's submarine disaster raises questions about oversight and regulation.