Ancient Carnivore Skull Discovery in Egypt Sheds Light on Extinct Apex Predator

A submarine carrying 45 tourists sank off the coast of Hurghada, Egypt, resulting in the deaths of six Russian nationals. According to the Red Sea governor, Maj Gen Amr Hanafi, 39 people were rescued, with four admitted to intensive care. The incident, involving a recreational submarine operated by Sindbad Submarines, occurred less than a mile offshore during an underwater excursion to observe coral reefs. Reports indicate that the submersible "crashed" at approximately 10 am local time while navigating near the area’s famed reefs, raising concerns about safety standards in the region. The local governor confirmed that the submarine was licensed and had a qualified crew. Previous incidents have highlighted ongoing safety issues, including a fatal dive boat accident in November 2024. Russia's Tass news agency cited the consul in Hurghada, revealing that among the deceased were at least two children. Despite confusion surrounding the passengers' nationalities, officials confirmed that all aboard were primarily Russian tourists. The Egyptian tourism industry, crucial for the country's economy, has faced numerous challenges in recent years.

At least six foreign tourists have died and nine others were injured, four severely, after a tourist submarine sank off the coast of Hurgada, Egypt, according to local media reports. The incident occurred on Thursday when the submarine, which had 44 passengers on board, was engaged in an excursion to view the area's renowned coral reefs. Images released by the Egyptian newspaper Al-Masry Al-Youm showed the yellow submarine belonging to Sindbad, a company operating in the region for several years. The vessel typically dives to a depth of 22 meters to allow tourists to observe coral and exotic fish. The cause of the sinking remains unknown. Hurgada is a major tourist destination in Egypt, attracting visitors from Europe drawn to the Red Sea beaches. Despite its popularity for diving excursions, the safety records of vessels in the area have faced scrutiny. A previous incident on November 25, 2024, involved the sinking of another diving vessel, resulting in 11 fatalities and multiple missing persons. A maritime survey conducted from 2023 to 2024 identified numerous safety deficiencies among diving and safari boats operating in Egypt.

Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) announced the remarkable discovery of a military leader's tomb dating back to the era of King Ramses III during an excavation at Tell Roud Iskander. This site, historically significant as a military stronghold, has revealed a main burial chamber, three adjoining rooms, and a trove of funerary relics, including jewelry and alabaster vessels, according to SCA Head Mohamed Abdel-Badie. The tomb, constructed from mudbrick and featuring white plastered walls, contained a human skeleton encased in layers of cartonnage, indicating its use over time. Although the identity of the officer remains unknown, historians speculate he may have links to King Horemheb, based on cartouches found within the burial site. In addition to the main tomb, the excavation unveiled mass graves and individual tombs from the Greco-Roman and Late Roman periods, containing amulets and skeletal remains. According to SCA Secretary-General Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Tell Roud played a pivotal role in defending Egypt's eastern borders during the New Kingdom. The ongoing research promises to further illuminate Egypt's ancient military history.