At least six people are dead after a tourist submarine sank in the Egyptian Red Sea.
The Sinbad submarine, which was full of Russian tourists and children, was taking tourists to explore coral reefs off the coastal city of Hurghada before it crashed and sank 1km off shore.
Ambulances have been deployed to the harbour, with at least four people in critical condition and at least 29 others taken to safety, according to a statement released by the Red Sea governorate.
The sunken submarine, run by Biblio Globus Egypt Tours, was carrying 45 Russian nationals, according to the Russian Embassy in Cairo.
They said in a statement on Facebook: “On March 27, at about 10am, the Sindbad bathyscaphe, owned by the hotel of the same name, crashed 1km off the shore. In addition to the crew, there were 45 tourists on board, including minors.”
It added: “Most of those on board were rescued and taken to their hotels and hospitals in Hurghada.
“Their health condition is not a concern. Four people died. The fate of several tourists is being clarified.”
The injured, including four in critical condition, were taken to nearby hospitals. Twenty-nine other passengers were rescued.
The cause of the sinking has not been confirmed.
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The Red Sea Security Directorate stated it had received a report of the tourist submarine sinking in front of the marina resulting in multiple deaths and injuries, according to Al-Masry Al-Youm.
They have been approached for comment by The Independent.
An advert by Sinbad Club states: “Enjoy the breath-taking view in the air-conditioned comfort and safety of our submarine.
“It offers 44 passenger seats, two pilot’s seats and a sizeable round viewing window for each passenger.
“Experience the beauty of the Red Sea underwater world without getting wet.”
The company added it holds two of the “14 real recreational submarines” in the entire world.
The coastal city of Hurghada is one of the largest resort destinations along the Red Sea coast and attracts large numbers of tourists each year, including Britons.
In November last year, a tourist yacht named Sea Story sank off the same coastal city after warnings of rough waters.
At least four people drowned, while 33 were rescued.
Tourism is an important sector of Egypt’s economy but many tourist companies have stopped or limited traveling on the Red Sea due to the dangers from conflicts in the region.
Source: independent.co.uk