Local media in Egypt has reported that six people have died and nine others have been injured as a submarine sank in the Red Sea.
According to local newspaper Al-Masry Al-Youm, the tourist submarine, named ‘Sindbad’, was located in the Hurghada area of the Red Sea in Egypt as it prepared to set off to give tourists a view of coral reefs.
Approximately 44 passengers of different nationalities are said to have boarded the submarine as it was stationed in front of the marina of one of the famous hotels in Hurghada today (March 27).
A rescue operation began after the submarine began to sink, with the Red Sea Health Directorate and the Egyptian Ambulance Authority reportedly placed on maximum alert and 21 ambulances dispatched to the scene, along with security and rescue forces.
Authorities have so far managed to rescue 29 of the passengers from the vessel, Al-Masry Al-Youm reports. Of the nine who were injured in the incident, four are said to be in critical condition.
Sindbad has been running tourist trips in the Hurghada area for several years.
On its website, the company explains that it holds two of the only ’14 real recreational submarines’ in the world.
The company allows tourists to travel 25 metres (82 feet) deep in the sea to explore ‘500 metres of coral reef and its marine inhabitant’.
“[Go] below sea level for 40 minutes enjoying the corals and fish with divers show to take photos for unforgettable memory, then you will be transferred back by the same boat to the marine,” Sindbad Submarines says.
Describing the submarine, the website for Sindbad Submarines continues: “It offers 44 passenger seats. Two pilots’ seats and a sizable round viewing window for each passenger. 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.
“We provide point-to-point transfer from your hotel to our terminal, including land-sea transportation, and all with an excellent level of service.”
On its site, the company explains that oxygen masks and life vests are available in the vessel in case of an emergency.
Journeys on the vessel typically begin with a check-in at 11am local time, followed by a boat ride to the submarine which is then boarded at around 12:35pm.
Reports of the sinking emerged shortly before midday.