At least six dead and nine injured as tourist submarine sinks off Egyptian coast
Nine other passengers have reportedly sustained injuries
Six people are understood to have died after a tourist submarine sank off the coast of Egypt earlier today.
Nine others have also sustained injuries - four of whom are said to be fighting for their lives, as per Metro.
A number of ambulances have since been dispatched to the shore of Hurghada - a hotspot for holiday-makers. According to reports, a vessel named 'Sindbad' sank while carrying 44 passengers of different nationalities.
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The group of passengers had booked the excursion to explore the famous coral reefs in Red Sea.
The operating company running the excursions, Sharm Hurghada Excursions, have been in business for a number of years. Underwater tours last three hours and cost £68 per adult ticket, and £35 for children.
Despite its name, the vessel doesn't fully submerge, with passengers invited to travel to the lower desk to explore the marine life.
The Sindbad capsized before the marina of one of the most famous hotels in the tourist area, according to witnesses that spoke to Al Masry Al Youm.
The cause of the incident has not yet been determined.
The news comes less than six months after a boat disaster in the same area of Egypt saw crew members - including 31 international guests - trapped in pitch darkness for 35 hours.
The Sea Story dive boat set off from the Red Sea coast in November 2024, with three diving instructors and 12 Egyptian crew members on board.
The trip was scheduled to last six days, but was cut short after the ship capsized. 35 individuals were rescued.
Some survivors were able to reach the top deck before having to jump 7-10 feet into the ocean.
Others became trapped under heavy furniture, a lot of which barricaded the doors, and were forced to find air pockets in the vessel and await rescue.
Egyptian officials ruled in the aftermath that a huge wave had caused the boat to capsize.
More to come.
Rhianna Benson