Six dead and 39 rescued after tourist submarine sinks in Red Sea, says Egyptian governor | BBC News

Key Concepts:

• Tourist submarine accident off the Red Sea coast of Egypt
• Safety standards and regulations for tourist vessels in Egypt
• Design and operation of tourist submarines
• Evacuation procedures in case of submarine emergencies
• Impact of such incidents on the Egyptian tourism industry

Accident Overview:

• A tourist submarine carrying Russian visitors sank off the coast of Hurghada, Egypt.
• The incident occurred during an underwater excursion to view coral reefs.
• Six people died, including two children.
• Over 29 people were rescued, some in critical condition.
• An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident.

Context and Concerns:

• The incident raises concerns about the frequency of such accidents off the Red Sea coast.
• A previous boat sinking in November resulted in accusations of a cover-up by authorities regarding safety issues.
• These tragedies raise questions about the security measures employed by local authorities for sea excursions.
• The Red Sea resort is a popular tourist destination, and such incidents can severely impact the tourism industry, a vital part of the Egyptian economy.
• The tourism industry is highly dependent on Russian tourists. The submarine had 45 Russian tourists on board.

Expert Analysis (Dr. Simon Boxall, University of Southampton):

• Submarine Operation: Tourist submarines typically use diesel engines to reach dive sites and then switch to electric power underwater.
• Safety Record: Tourist submarines generally have a good safety record, with about 20-30 operating worldwide.
• Sinbad Submarines: The company operating the submarine, Sinbad, has been running these excursions for several years without incident.
• Possible Causes (Speculative): Until the investigation is complete, the cause is unknown. A simple error, like leaving a hatch open, is a possibility. The sea conditions were calm at the time.
• Submarine Design: The submarine in question is rated to a depth of 75 meters. The company website describes it as "Finnish engineered," implying high standards of construction.
• Emergency Equipment: Submarines are equipped with oxygen masks for passengers in case of oxygen supply failure.
• Evacuation Challenges: Evacuation is difficult due to narrow exits. In this case, the submarine has two narrow hatches. Scrambling to exit in an emergency can be problematic.
• Lighting: Natural light would likely have been sufficient due to clear water and daytime conditions.
• Safety Checks: Investigations should focus on crew qualifications and the date of the last safety inspection to ensure compliance with Egyptian standards.

Safety Standards in Egypt:

• Egypt claims to have high safety standards for vessels.
• Experience with liveaboard dive vessels suggests that these standards are not always met.

Notable Quotes:

• "The authorities were just trying to cover it up" - Referring to a previous boat sinking incident, as claimed by survivors.
• Dr. Boxall: "Until we know what happened, it is speculation."
• Dr. Boxall: "Egypt insists it has very high standards."

Technical Terms:

• Diesel Engine: Used for surface travel to the dive site.
• Electric Engine: Used for underwater propulsion.
• Hatch: An opening or doorway on a ship or submarine.
• Rated Depth: The maximum depth a submarine is designed to safely operate at (75 meters in this case).

Logical Connections:

• The initial report of the sinking leads to a discussion of the frequency of such incidents in the region.
• The discussion of frequency leads to questions about safety standards and regulations.
• The expert analysis provides insights into the operation and design of tourist submarines, as well as potential causes and safety considerations.
• The mention of Egyptian safety standards connects to the broader issue of regulatory oversight and enforcement.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The sinking of the tourist submarine off the Egyptian Red Sea coast is a tragic event that highlights potential safety concerns within the tourism industry. While the exact cause remains under investigation, the incident underscores the importance of rigorous safety standards, proper maintenance, and well-trained personnel in operating tourist vessels. The incident's impact on the Egyptian tourism industry, particularly its reliance on Russian tourists, could be significant. The investigation's findings will be crucial in determining the necessary steps to prevent future tragedies and ensure the safety of tourists.