A shocking incident unfolded in Egypt on Thursday as the Sindbad tourist submarine began sinking while passengers were still boarding.
The terrifying footage captures the horrifying moment when the hatch was still open as the submarine started its descent into the Red Sea, with tourists seen scrambling in panic.
Panic and Chaofs as Passengers Face the Sinking Vessel
As the submarine descended, water quickly flooded around the vessel, submerging passengers who had been standing on top.
With the hatch still open, it’s clear the submarine began to fill with water inside, leaving those onboard scrambling for safety.
The chaos escalated when passengers found themselves plunged into the water, forced to swim for their lives as the Sindbad rapidly sank.
Six Lives Lost and Dozens Rescued in the Disaster
The disaster tragically claimed the lives of six out of the 45 passengers aboard the submarine.
Among the victims were Russian nationals, including two children, confirmed by the Russian consulate in Hurghada.
The other 39 tourists and five crew members managed to survive, though at least nine individuals were injured, with four in critical condition.
Initial Investigations and Crew’s Certification in Question
As investigations into the cause of the disaster continue, the Egyptian police have already questioned the crew, who reportedly had the necessary certifications and the submarine itself had a valid operating license.
According to initial reports, the submarine collided with a reef and lost pressure at a depth of 20 meters.
The tourists aboard were primarily from Russia, India, Norway, and Sweden, and they had been looking forward to exploring the coral reefs of the Red Sea.
Survivors Share Terrifying Accounts of the Incident
A survivor, Regina, described the panic she and her two young children felt when the submarine began to sink as they were still on top.
“We were queuing to board when the submarine started sinking. The crew shouted for us to move quickly, but by then it was too late.
We had to swim for our lives,” she said, recounting how they barely managed to escape.
Regina also highlighted the absence of safety equipment, like life preservers or lifebuoys, on the pontoons, making the situation even more harrowing.
Rescue Operations and Challenges During the Disaster
While rescue boats eventually arrived, survivors reported that the Egyptian rescue teams were unprepared for the scale of the disaster. Boats passed by without stopping, and it wasn’t until the victims reached the shore that they received medical help. Many of the passengers, including children, were rushed to nearby hospitals, with some in critical condition.
A Critical Mistake That Led to the Tragedy
Witnesses believe the disaster occurred due to a critical mistake by a crew member who initiated the submarine’s descent before confirming that all passengers were aboard and the hatch was securely closed.
Some passengers also noted that the crew failed to account for last-minute delays, like a grandparent taking children to the toilet, which left a few passengers still on deck as the submarine began its descent.
Survivors Reflect on the Trauma of the Submarine Disaster
Dr. Kristina Valliulina, a pediatrician, was originally listed among the deceased but was later confirmed to have survived the tragedy alongside her two daughters.
She shared how she, like many others, was caught in a desperate scramble to escape the sinking submarine.
The incident remains under investigation as authorities work to piece together the exact causes and prevent similar disasters in the future.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Egypt’s tourism industry and left many questioning the safety measures in place for such excursions.