The company behind a tourist submarine that sank off the coast of Egypt has spoken out after six people died on board and several others were left injured.
On Wednesday, March 27, the Sindbad submarine was preparing to embark on a trip in the Red Sea near Hurghada when it encountered difficulties.
Local newspaper Al-Masry Al-Youm reported that the submarine had just begun its journey to offer passengers a glimpse of the region’s coral reefs when it sank.
According to reports, 45 people were on board at the time, with the submarine stationed in front of a popular hotel marina in the tourist hotspot of Hurghada.
Rescue efforts began immediately, involving the Red Sea Health Directorate and the Egyptian Ambulance Authority, and nine people were reported as being injured while six tragically died in the incident, according to numerous reports.
Following the tragedy, the tour company running the submarine has shared a statement.
It offered its "deepest condolences to the families of the victims in the submarine accident that took place".
The statement continued: "Six lives were lost in the tragic incident on board the submarine among a total of 45 passengers. We sadly join the deceased families in mourning them with profound grief."
Sindbad added that in the 48 hours after the tragedy, it followed up on the "situation of the injured and the victims of the accident. Additionally, the company has been actively involved in the status of all passengers’ well-being and procedures related to the investigation."
It added: "Immediately after the incident, a group of senior company officials, accompanied by rescue teams, arrived at the scene to oversee the rescue operations.
"The company ensured that the injured were transported to hospitals as quickly as possible and provided them with the best medical care available and ensured that all their immediate needs are met."
It also thanked the Red Sea Governorate’s Operations for the "swift response" in "efficiently transferring the injured to the hospital and providing full medical care," adding: "This dynamic attention and speed resulted in rescuing 39 individuals."
Sindbad said it had "collaborated with all relevant authorities to accurately determine the circumstances of the incident and identify its causes".
The statement added: "Sindbad Submarines, which operates in the market since 1992, complies with certification and classification standards set by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS); a globally recognized organization dedicated to establishing global standards for the classification and safety certification of ships and marine structures. Our compliance with these standards is regularly reviewed.
"The company is fully committed to transparency in handling this incident."
While the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident have yet to be revealed, Sindbad promised that "updates will be announced as soon as verified information becomes available."
The Sindbad submarine tours have been a staple of the town's tourism scene for over 30 years in Hurghada, a beach resort town stretching around 25 miles along Egypt's Red Sea coast.
On its official website, the company claims to operate two of the world’s only “14 real recreational submarines,” offering tourists a chance to descend 25 meters (82 feet) beneath the surface to view “500 metres of coral reef and its marine inhabitants.”
“[Go] below sea level for 40 minutes enjoying the corals and fish with divers show to take photos for unforgettable memory, then you will be transferred back by the same boat to the marine,” the company says.
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Describing its features, the site explains: “It offers 44 passenger seats. Two pilots' seats and a sizable round viewing window for each passenger. Experience the beauty of the Red Sea’s underwater world without getting wet. It’s perfect for all ages, and the memories will last a lifetime.
“We provide point-to-point transfer from your hotel to our terminal, including land-sea transportation, and all with an excellent level of service," they added.
The submarine is also equipped with oxygen masks and life vests in case of an emergency, according to the website.
Trips typically begin with check-in at 11AM local time, with guests boarding the submarine around 12:35PM. Reports of the incident began surfacing shortly before midday.