Six confirmed dead as tourist submarine sinks off coast of Egypt

Approximately 44 passengers were on board at the time

The submarine, named Sindbad, was carrying about 44 passengers of different nationalities during a sea trip to view coral reefs underwater.

Authorities confirmed they had dispatched multiple ambulances to the shore at the coast of Hurghada.

Nine people have been injured, including four in critical condition, while 29 others were rescued. 

The Russian embassy in Cairo told NBC that four Russian citizens were among those who had died.

The embassy told 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. All of them are Russian citizens."

Emergency services remain at the scene, and diving teams continue to search for survivors.

The town is a popular seaside destination, with submarine trips running regularly from its harbour into the Red Sea.

According to local media, the submarine involved in today's incident has been operating for several years.

The Red Sea Security Directorate confirmed it had received a report of the tourist submarine sinking in front of the marina of a famous hotel, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries. No cause has been revealed at present.

A total of 21 ambulances have been dispatched to the scene to transport the injured to hospital.

Multiple operators run tours to the nearby coral reef and to see the marine wildlife.