The tour company responsible for organizing trips to view the coral reefs in the Red Sea has issued a statement following a tragic event in which six people lost their lives due to a vessel sinking last week.
The incident came to light through reports in local media dated March 27, detailing that six individuals died and at least nine others sustained injuries when the Sindbad Submarine sank in the Hurghada region of Egypt’s Red Sea.
Sindbad Submarines, famed for operating ‘the only real submarine in Africa and the Arab World’, offers visitors the unique experience of descending 25 meters beneath the sea surface to explore 500 meters of vibrant coral reef and its diverse marine life.
“Enjoy the breath-taking view in the air-conditioned comfort and safety of our submarine,” the website promotes. “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.”
Following the incident, rescuer teams promptly arrived at the location. The company has now issued a statement expressing its ‘deepest condolences to the families of the victims in the submarine accident that took place’.
“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 further mentioned that in the two days subsequent to the accident, they have been closely monitoring 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 noted.
“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.”
The statement extended the company’s ‘deep appreciation’ to the Red Sea Governorate’s Operations for their ‘swift response’ and efficiency in ‘transferring the injured to the hospital and providing full medical care’.
“This dynamic attention and speed resulted in rescuing 39 individuals,” Sindbad stated, adding that they had ‘collaborated with all relevant authorities to accurately determine the circumstances of the incident and identify its causes’.
The statement further explained: “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.”
No details on the ’causes’ of the incident have been released by Sindbad yet, but the company assured: “Updates will be announced as soon as verified information becomes available.”