At least six people are feared dead and nine others injured after a tourist submarine sank off the coast of Hurghada in Egypt’s Red Sea on Thursday morning.
Around 29 people were rescued, while the injured, including four in critical condition, were taken to hospitals. The submarine, named Sindbad, sank near the harbour with over 40 passengers on board, all of whom were later confirmed to be Russian.
According to the DailyMail, 21 ambulances were dispatched to the scene to transport the injured due to the severity of their conditions. The passengers, were on a trip to explore Egypt’s coral reefs and tropical fish before the vessel, which can reportedly dive to depths of 72 feet, sank.
Also read: What we know so far about the tourist submarine sinking in Egypt’s Red Sea
The Sindbad submarine had been in operation for years allowing tourists the chance to dive 25 metres (82 feet) beneath the sea to explore 500 metres of coral reef and its marine life.
As per its website, the vessel is one of only 14 real recreational submarines worldwide. The submarine, designed in Finland, can carry 44 passengers and two crew members.
Tickets for the experience are priced at $69 for adults and $33 for children, while infants can board for free.
‘All passengers were Russian’
In a statement on Facebook, the Russian embassy confirmed that the vessel was conducting a routine underwater excursion, and had 45 Russian tourists on board, including minors. Most passengers were rescued and taken to hotels and hospitals, with no serious health concerns reported, the embassy said.
Russian diplomats are at the scene, and investigations are ongoing.
Not the first incident involving tourist boats in Egypt
This is not the incident involving tourist boats in Egypt, in November last year a tourist yacht also carrying 44 passengers sank in the Red Sea near Marsa Alam, Egypt. Investigations suggested that the yacht capsized after being struck by a large wave.
Governor Amr Hanafy confirmed that at the time 28 passengers were rescued, with some airlifted for medical treatment. Survivors, with minor injuries, were taken to a nearby hotel.
Three bodies were later recovered. The yacht, Sea Story, had 13 Egyptians, including crew members, and 31 foreign nationals on board. Despite warnings of rough seas, the yacht had departed on a five-day journey.
