Six dead, dozens rescued as tourist submarine sinks off in Egypt

At least six people have lost their lives, and dozens of others have been rescued after a tourist submarine sank in the Red Sea near the Egyptian coast.

Sky’s US partner, NBC News, citing the Russian embassy in Cairo, reported that four Russian citizens were among those who died after the vessel went down near Hurghada.

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The submarine, named Sinbad, had 45 passengers on board, including children, according to NBC.

The Russian embassy informed NBC: “On March 27, at about 10:00, 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 further stated: “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.”

Local media reported that the group had set out on a sea trip to the coral reefs in Hurghada.

Emergency and security services, including 21 ambulances, responded to the incident, according to Egyptian newspaper Al-Masry Al-Youm.

The submarine had been conducting tourist trips in the area for several years, the news outlet noted.

Hurghada, a beach resort town, extends about 25 miles along Egypt’s Red Sea coast.

Egyptian officials, who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity, said the submarine had set off from one of the beaches in the tourist promenade area.

(Sky News)

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