At the time of the event, the ship was carrying tourists to view coral reefs.
Local media in Egypt has claimed that six people have died and nine others have been injured as a submarine sank in the Red Sea.
The tourist submarine, called “Sindbad,” was in the Hurghada region of the Red Sea in Egypt as it was ready to depart to provide visitors with a glimpse of coral reefs, according to the local newspaper Al-Masry Al-Youm.
The submarine, which was parked in front of the marina of one of Hurghada’s most renowned hotels today (March 27), is reported to have carried about 44 guests of various countries.
After the submarine started to sink, a rescue effort got underway, with the Egyptian Ambulance Authority and the Red Sea Health Directorate reportedly put on full alert with 21
Visitors are taken 25 meters below the surface by the submarines (Sindbad Submarines).
Authorities have so far managed to rescue 29 of the passengers from the yacht, Al-Masry Al-Youm reports. Four of the nine people hurt in the event are reportedly in critical condition.
For a number of years, Sindbad has operated travel tours in the Hurghada region.
According to the company’s website, it is home to two of the world’s “14 real recreational submarines.”
In order to explore “500 meters of coral reef and its marine inhabitant,” the company permits visitors to venture 25 meters (82 ft) below the surface of the ocean.
According to Sindbad Submarines, “[Go] below sea level for 40 minutes to enjoy the corals and fish with divers show to take photos for unforgettable memory, and then you will be transferred back to the marine by the same boat.”
The Sindbad Submarines website goes on to describe the submarine: “It offers 44 passenger seats.” Each passenger has a large circular viewing window and two pilots’ seats. Without getting wet, take in the splendor of the underwater environment of the Red Sea. All ages can enjoy it, and the memories will endure forever.
“We offer a first-rate level of service for point-to-point transfers from your hotel to our terminal, including land-sea transportation.”
According to the company’s website, in the event of an emergency, life jackets and oxygen masks are available within the ship.
The ship’s journeys usually start with check-in at 11 a.m. local time, followed by a boat ride to the submarine, when passengers board at approximately 12:35 p.m.
Reports of the sinking emerged shortly before midday.
UNILAD has reached out to Sindbad Submarines for comment.
Featured Image Credit: Sindbad Submarines