Is Egypt Safe for Families After the Red Sea Submarine Crash?

Is Egypt Safe for Families After the Red Sea Submarine Crash?

On 27 March 2025, a tourist submarine operated by Sindbad Submarines sank off the coast of Hurghada in Egypt. Six lives were lost, including children, dozens more were injured, and many were rescued.

This disaster has understandably raised serious questions among travellers, especially families: Is Egypt still safe for a family holiday? What are the risks? What has changed, and what should families consider before booking? 

In this blog, we take a look at the reports, assess safety right now, and offer some practical advice for families who still want to travel to Egypt.

Image: A photo of a submarine partially surfaced in the middle of the calm ocean, showcasing its dark hull, which blends perfectly with the water, while its conning tower is visible above the waterline.

What Happened

The tourist submarine involved, known as Sindbad, was carrying around 45 passengers along with crew members when it sank near Hurghada on the Red Sea coast. Tragically, six people lost their lives in the accident, including two children, all of whom were from Russia. About 39 others were rescued from the sinking vessel, though many of them were injured and ended up in the hospital for treatment.

The exact cause of the accident is still unclear, and investigations are still ongoing. What is known is that the submarine was licensed to operate and was said to meet the required safety standards.

Is Egypt Safe Enough for Family Travel Now?

Egypt is still a popular holiday spot that millions of tourists visit every year without problems. But safety depends on what type of holiday you want.

For families who stay in large resorts, swim at hotel beaches, and enjoy calm activities like snorkelling close to shore, the risks are fairly low. 

The bigger worries come with adventure trips. Submarine rides, deep-sea dives, and long boat tours can carry more risks. Safety checks are not always the same for every operator. Rules may also not be enforced the same way in all areas, and sometimes rescue responses are slower than expected.

So, the answer is yes, Egypt can still be safe for families, but you also have to plan carefully, avoid higher-risk activities, and always follow the safety guidelines.

Image: A photo of a group of people riding camels across the desert, with a huge pyramid visible in the background.

Things to Keep in Mind

If you are thinking about travelling to Egypt, here are some simple tips to make the trip safer:

• Choose trusted operators - Stick to companies with good reviews and clear safety records, and avoid unknown or very cheap providers.
• Keep activities simple - Swimming, resort beaches, short snorkelling trips, and cultural tours are much safer than deep dives or submarine rides.
• Check expert advice and guidelines - Look at travel advisories from your country and pay attention to any warnings.
• Have good insurance - Make sure your policy covers water activities and medical emergencies, just in case you need them.

Conclusion

The Red Sea submarine crash was a heartbreaking tragedy, and it has made many people nervous about visiting Egypt. But it does not mean that all family holidays in Egypt are unsafe. The country still offers incredible things to explore and enjoy.

Just be wise when travelling. Stick to safe, well-reviewed operators, choose lower-risk activities, and stay informed to ensure safety for your family.